At the Beverly Hilton’s International Ballroom on March 10, the Alliance for Children’s Rights honored Fox Television Group Co-chairmen and CEOs Dana Walden and Gary Newman with its 2016 National Champions for Children Award, in celebration of the duo’s longstanding support for children in need. “Grandfathered” star John Stamos emceed the awards dinner, which also featured appearances by Seth MacFarlane, Ryan Murphy, Julie Bowen, Terry Crews, Trai Byers, and a musical performance by Ne-Yo. Education innovator Richard Martinez, Superintendent of the Pomona Unified School District, was also honored with the Francis M. Wheat Community Service Award.
“If you are born into a family and lucky enough to have parents that are there for you, and not have to deal with the struggles of so many children in our city and in our country that have such obstacles, you really come away feeling blessed and feeling grateful that there is an organization that will help these beautiful young people,” Walden said during her acceptance speech.
Some of the Alliance’s youth shared personal stories throughout their evening about their experiences with the organization, which provides free legal services and advocacy for impoverished and neglected youth. Since 1992, the Alliance has served more than 125,000 children in the Los Angeles area.
“At every dinner, I leave thinking this is an unbelievably important organization,” Newman said. “I’m just thrilled to be honored by them.”
Walden also spoke about her personal work with the Alliance, such as witnessing children reuniting with family members or remaining with their siblings following the risk of being placed in group homes.
“I really feel like tonight is about the Alliance,” she said. “The work that they do is so incredible, and we’re just happy to do something to shine a light and help them raise a lot of money to support these amazing efforts.”
The event raised a record $1.56 million for the Alliance.
Story re-posted from 21st Century Fox Social Impact
A full recap of the evening from our CEO Janis Spire
24th Annual Dinner Tribute Journal
Flickr Album
24th Annual Alliance Dinner Video
