2026 Champions for Children Honors Katherine Pope & Kelly Zajfen

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., March 20, 2026 — The Alliance for Children’s Rights celebrated its 34th Annual Champions for Children gala last night at the Beverly Wilshire, drawing together the entertainment and legal industries’ influential leaders for an evening of recognition, generosity, and renewed commitment to young people in foster care. Since its founding, the Alliance has provided free legal services and advocacy to more than 175,000 children and young adults, helping them access the rights, resources, and stability they deserve. 

The event raised more than $1.4 million to support the Alliance’s free legal aid and advocacy for young people in foster care. The evening honored two extraordinary women whose contributions to children and community reflect the Alliance’s core mission: Katherine Pope, President of Sony Pictures Television Studios, received the Champion for Children Award, presented by actress Rhea Seehorn; and Kelly Zajfen, Co-Founder of Alliance of Moms, received the Francis M. Wheat Community Service Award, presented by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. The evening was hosted by comedian and actor Kumail Nanjiani, with a special musical performance by singer-songwriter Christina Perri. 

“For 34 years, Champions for Children has been a testament to what is possible when a community comes together with purpose,” said Jennifer L. Braun, CEO and President of the Alliance for Children’s Rights. “The generosity and dedication in the room last night—from our honorees, to every attorney who volunteers their time, to every guest who believes every child deserves a fair chance—is what drives our work. We leave tonight more committed than ever to fighting for the rights, dignity, and futures of the young people we serve.”  

Katherine Pope, President of Sony Pictures Television Studios, was recognized for her sustained commitment to the Alliance for Children’s Rights and her leadership as a champion for young people. Pope oversees the independent studio’s scripted and nonfiction production businesses.   

“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from the Alliance for Children’s Rights,” said Katherine Pope. “The work this organization does, ensuring that young people in foster care have someone in their corner, matters profoundly. I’m proud to stand with an organization that believes in stability, opportunity, and advocacy for every child.” 

Kelly Zajfen, Co-Founder of Alliance of Moms, was recognized for her decades-long dedication to building community and support systems for children and youth impacted by foster care—with a particular focus on young people in foster care who are raising children of their own. A board member of the Alliance for Children’s Rights, Zajfen has been a steadfast partner in the organization’s mission, working at the grassroots level to ensure young people have the stability, support, and opportunities they need to thrive. 

“This award means so much to me because the young people it represents mean everything to me,” said Kelly Zajfen. “Being a mom is at the center of my world, and walking alongside other young parents has changed me in ways I can’t fully put into words. They’ve shown me what resilience and love really look like. What I know for sure is that none of us are meant to do this alone, and through the Alliance of Moms and the Alliance for Children’s Rights, we get to show up for each other in that way. I’m so grateful to be part of this community.” 

The evening drew broad support from across the entertainment and legal communities, with an Honorary Committee representing some of Hollywood’s most respected executives and creatives. Funds raised through Champions for Children directly support the Alliance’s programs, which provide free legal aid and social services to thousands of young people in foster care each year—helping them access healthcare, education, housing, and permanent family. 

The Alliance for Children’s Rights has operated for more than three decades at the intersection of direct services, policy reform, and community education, advancing systemic change while never losing sight of the individual young person at the center of every case.