Champions for Children 2006 Was a Major Success!

On October 2nd, Helping Hand Home for Children hosted the 7th Annual Champions for Children Awards Luncheon presented by Broadwing Communications, to honor top caregivers and volunteers in central Texas for their inspiring dedication to children in need. Over 750 nonprofit and business professionals from all over the city gathered to recognize the unsung heroes that are changing disadvantaged children’s lives in the greater Austin community.

The award winners were touched by personalized letters from Honorary Chair First Lady Anita Perry and the Governor's Office. University of Texas Head Coaches Rick Barnes and Augie Garrido were on hand to take a photo with each winner and present each with her award.

Keynote Speaker Gilbert Tuhabonye, running coach and co-author of This Voice in My Heart: A Genocide Survivor's Story of Escape, Faith, and Forgiveness, moved the audience with his real-life tale of resilience and determination. He even made himself available after the luncheon to sign copies of his book, which were donated for sale by RunTex. Hundreds of attendees waited in line to speak with Gilbert and receive a personal message in their books.

Thank you to all who supported this event. Thanks to your enthusiasm, this year's event was the largest and most successful to date!

2006 award winners:

Linda Melnick - Austin Child Guidance Center

Nicole Morales - Austin Children's Shelter

Jayne Ruggles - Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas

Mauricia Rogers - Helping Hand Home for Children

Lourdes Kaman - LifeWorks

Nancy O'Meara - Ride on Center for Kids

Brenda Henry - The Settlement Home for Children

Lou Brown - Texas Department of Family & Protective Services

Philanthropic Champions

RGK Foundation and the Kozmetsky/Scott Family

If you have any questions about Champions for Children, please contact Mary Campana at 512-459-3353 Ext. 103 or mcampana@helpinghandhome.org.