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Florida’s Children First to Honor Child Advocacy Award Winners at Annual Event at the Tower Club

January 14th, 2011   No Comments   Uncategorized

Florida’s Children First (FCF), the state’s preeminent child advocacy organization, will hold its annual Broward Awards Reception on February 24 (5:30 pm) to honor those in our community who advocate for the rights of at-risk and foster children and provide a voice to those who don’t have one. FCF President and children’s rights lawyer Howard Talenfeld will lead the event, along with FCF Executive Director Christina Spudeas.

Jesse Diner and Howard Talenfeld at FCF event

Jesse Diner and Howard Talenfeld at FCF event

“This year’s awards event will focus on our efforts to build and support Florida Youth Shine, a statewide group of foster children and former foster children who advocate to improve Florida’s foster care system,” said Talenfeld. “This year’s honorees have been instrumental in improving Florida’s foster care system and advocating for the children.”

This year George Sheldon, Secretary of the Florida Department of Children and Families, will be receiving the Children’s Advocate Award. He has been an advocate for youth aging out of foster care, a friend to FCF, and has worked tirelessly to improve the agency. WPLG Local 10 Anchor Kristi Krueger will also receive the Media Advocate Award for her selfless service to FCF and other non-profit organizations.

Junior League of Fort Lauderdale will be honored for their work on behalf of aging out foster youth and efforts to establish and fund the FLITE Center. Other honorees include Walter Honaman, who will receive the Tracey McPharlin Award for his quiet, lifelong advocacy for children in the system. Also, David & Michael Gagne will be recognized as this year’s Broward Foster/Adoptive Family and Christopher J. Bahamundi as the Foster Youth Advocate.

Also in attendance will be child advocates, elected officials, judges, and community and business leaders, and others concerned about the future of Florida’s children, especially abused, abandoned and neglected children and youth.

“The success of Florida’s Children First comes directly from our supporters, sponsors, guests and advocates from across Florida,” said FCF Executive Director Christina Spudeas. “By supporting the mission of Florida’s Children First, they help foster children all around the state.”

Last year’s event was attended by more than 300 people, raising $100,000 for the organization. Honorees in 2010 included immediate past president of The Florida Bar Jesse H. Diner, who has made significant efforts to support legislation designed to obtain counsel for children in foster care and the dependency system.

This year’s event will be held on Thursday, February 24, 2011, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at The Tower Club (100 Southeast Third Ave., One Financial Plaza) in Fort Lauderdale. A $100 contribution is suggested, with all proceeds to benefit FCF. For more information please call 954-796-0860 or send an email to fcf@floridaschildrenfirst.org

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