Last week, World of Children, a global recognition and funding organization for individuals exclusively serving the needs of vulnerable children, celebrated the 2017 Honorees at the annual World of Children Awards 2017 ceremony at 583 Park Avenue in New York City.
Credit/Copyright: Craig Barritt/Getty Images for World of Childre
Over 400 guests gathered for a special evening of stories and celebration recognizing five extraordinary individuals who have dramatically improved the lives of children around the world. Emceed by Alina Cho (Editor at Large, Ballantine Bantam Dell), the evening featured a cocktail reception, dinner program, and special performance by the United Nations International School (UNIS) Middle School/High School Choral Club and a special performance by soloists Schuyler Johnson and Jenna Gold.
Celebrities, VIP guests and World of Children supporters in attendance included Victoria’s Secret Angels Martha Hunt (dressed in Off-White), Lindsay Ellingson (dressed in Rachel Roy), and Daniela Braga (dressed in Lurelly), plus Andy Adler (Sports Anchor, Honorary Chair), Lauren Bush Lauren and David Lauren (Honorary Chairs), Mariane Pearl (Journalist & Author), Stephanie March (Actress, World of Children Board Member, Honorary Chair), Rachel Roy (World of Children Celebrity Ambassador, Fashion Designer), Caryl Stern (President of U.S. Fund for UNICEF), Faye Bentahar (Designer), Heidi Nahser-Fink (Designer, James Banks Jewelry), Hillary Schafer (CEO, Jefferson Awards Foundation), Kay Isaacson Leibowitz and Harry Leibowitz (World of Children Co-Founders, Event Co-Chairs), Sharen Jester Turney (Former President & CEO, Victoria’s Secret), Veronica Grazer (Board Member), and more.
The 2017 World of Children Honorees included Humanitarian Award Honoree Winnie Baron (Makindu Children’s Program in Kenya), Protection Award Honoree Jackie Branfield (Operation Bobbi Bear in South Africa), Health Award Honoree Dr. Üstün Ezer (LOSEV in Turkey), Education Award Honoree Maureen Rover (The Reading Team in New York), and Youth Award Honoree Teagan Stedman (Shred Kids’ Cancer in Connecticut). The ceremony also honored Cindi Leive (Editor-in-Chief, Glamour) and Ann O’Malley (World of Children Board Member) with World of Children Board of Governors Awards, which were each presented to them by Mariane Pearl and Sharen Jester Turney, respectively. The Board of Governors Award is in recognition for their unwavering dedication to the organization and elevating awareness for child advocates.
World of Children, celebrating its 20th anniversary, receives thousands of nominations from around the world every year and uses a uniquely rigorous vetting process to select Honorees, including an on-site investigation and independent audit of each finalist. The 2017 Honorees each received a specially designed medallion, World of Children Award trophy, and a grant to help their program grow and ultimately impact the lives of even more children.
Since 2013, James Banks Designs has brought to life World of Children-inspired jewelry. For this year’s Awards Ceremony, two new additions were designed for the collection: Emerald and Earth. Each of these exclusive bracelet sets were created with emerald-shade stones, traditionally used to celebrate a 20th anniversary, which emulate hope, strength, integrity, comfort, security and healing. A $350 donation for a bracelet set can provide one month of daily, hot meals for 30 children, and guests can double their impact with two sets to provide 10 days of health care costs for a child with leukemia. Additional sets are now available online.
