Child & Family Resources announced the winners of the 2016 Champions for Children & Family Awards. Winners are nominated by members of the community and reviewed by a panel of community members convened by Child & Family Resources.
Winners will be celebrated at the Champion for Children & Families fundraiser on Thursday, December 8, 2016, 6:30-8:30 pm, Sheraton Crescent Hotel, Phoenix, with MC Nicole Crites, KTVK3 News Anchor. Tickets are available online.
Nadine Mathis Basha wins the Martha K. Rothman Lifetime Achievement Award. This award recognizes a person with a long history of diligently championing the issues of children and families. A former teacher, educator, small business owner and volunteer, Basha has been a tireless advocate for the well-being of children. She founded the Children’s Action Alliance, and spearheaded the effort to create a ballot initiative to generate tax funds to establish a comprehensive system of early childhood development and health that lead to First Things First, Arizona’s statewide resource that ensures all children 0-5 receive the care and support they need to succeed.
Basha holds an honorary degree of Doctor of Humanities from the University of Arizona, an honorary degree of Doctor of Education from Northern Arizona University as well as Arizona State University‘s Distinguished Achievement Award. She received a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Kansas and a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Arizona State University.
“I am honored to receive this award named after my friend and mentor, Martha Rothman, a woman I greatly admired for her passion, commitment and work on behalf of children and families.” Basha said, “Martha left a strong legacy in Child & Family Resources, an organization that continues to epitomize the best in prevention, education and support for Arizona families. It is important to remember on whose shoulders we stand as we continue our commitment to the children of this state. I am deeply grateful to have had the opportunity to collaborate and advocate for children alongside Child & Family Resources.”
Ava Castro wins the Giving Heart Award. The Giving Heart Award recognizes outstanding individuals who exemplify the true spirit of philanthropy. The 10-years-old Ava Castro has championed the causes of people who are homeless. Through requests of donations and every day essentials such as soap and toothpaste, Castro assembles her ‘Blessing Bags’ to give to homeless children and families who are hurting. Her ‘can do’ attitude and initiative motivates others to take action and make a difference in people’s lives.
Valley Leadership Class 34 wins the Gabe Zimmerman Emerging Champion Award. This group has emerged as an up and coming community champion for children and families. They are inspirational, compassionate and innovative in their advocacy for making our community a better place for children and families. For their Community Impact group project, Valley Leadership Institute’s Class 34 succeeded in creating and passing legislation to help youth in Arizona’s foster care system transition to adulthood. In just 9 months, the Class conceptualized, wrote, lobbied for, and passed Senate Bill 1208 to offer former foster care youth a full tuition and mandatory fee waiver at Arizona public universities and community colleges.
Carol Knight wins the Champion for Children & Families Award. This individual has been an inspiration in their work for a better world for children and their families. Their creative, hands-on, advocacy has spanned over many years. They have brought about a positive change in the lives of Arizona children. As the founder and director of New Birth Child Care & Preschool in Phoenix, Knight is a shining example of a true champion for children. For over 15 years, Knight has impacted the lives of countless children and families through her love, guidance and the belief that all children can fulfill their greatest potential. Along with academic readiness, Knight ensures that every child is nurtured in self-confidence and in sharing and caring for others. Her passion for the well-being of the children and families she serves speaks volumes about her character and her true calling as a champion in our community.
Colleen Walski wins the Champion for Children & Families Award. This individual has been an inspiration in their work for a better world for children and their families. Their creative, hands-on, advocacy has spanned over many years. They have brought about a positive change in the lives of Arizona children. Walski is the founder and Executive Director of the Scott Foundation.
Since 2007, the Scott Foundation has positively impacted the lives of 4,500+ foster youth through programs that teach compassion and giving back to the community. With the focus on breaking the cycle of poverty and violence by teaching at-risk youth how to make better choices through selfless service, the Foundation is committed to growing the next generation of thought and service leaders.
