Six students were awarded scholarship checks from Children’s Fund during the 15^th Annual Children’s Network Shine a Light on Child Abuse breakfast held at the National Orange Show on Thursday, March 28, 2013.

Approximately 400 watched as Marc Frizell, Rammaine Lamdels, Maria Salcedo, Reina Marin, Venus Fleetwood and Aiden Smith were called to the stage.  Erin Phillips, president & CEO of Children’s Fund and Steve PonTell, chairman of the board for Children’s Fund took turns depicting why each of the recipients were chosen and then presented them with their awards and checks.

“It is such an honor to be able to present scholarships to these youth,” states Erin Phillips, president & CEO of Children’s Fund.  “A day like today reminds us why Children’s Fund exists.  To see the obstacles these youth have overcome, and to be able to help them achieve their dreams reinforces our commitment to support these strong, resilient children.”

The Shine a Light on Child Abuse Awards breakfast honors those for their outstanding dedication and tireless efforts on behalf of at-risk children in our communities.  Amy Cousineau, Network Officer of Children’s Network and her team host this breakfast annually as a way to “shine a light” on those who are making a difference in the lives of children and youth.

Norm Dollar was named the 2013 Lifetime Advocate for his 28 years as a visionary and advocate in promoting programs that build stronger families and communities.  As one of the main architects of the Interagency Resiliency Team, he saw the value in training former foster youth as mentors.  Others honored at the breakfast includes Daniel Almaraz, Children and Family Services; Mary Gurrola, Department of Behavioral Health; Teresa Denison, Department of Public Health; Dr. Kiti Randall, Medical; Bobbie Mann, Legal; Rose Sarmiento, Probation; Mary MJ Higgins, Law Enforcement; Lea Michelle Cash, Community Based Provider; Marlin and LaDonna Simpson, Foster Parents; Officer Michael Ashbaker and Officer Francisco Padilla, Community Based Providers; Highlands Boxing Club, Community Organization; Charlene Betts, Volunteer of Claremont West-End Auxiliary who fundraises for Children’s Fund; Dr. Carol Franklin, Education; Trudi Moe Roser, Transitional Assistance Department; and Ashley Furniture for their donations to Our House and Forgotten Children.

Created in 1986, Children’s Fund is a non-profit whose mission is to prevent child abuse in our community; to ensure that at-risk children who are abused, neglected, impoverished, or abandoned receive adequate food, shelter, clothing, medical care and education; and to provide equal opportunity for social development for these children.  For more information on Children’s Fund or how you can give hope for brighter tomorrows in the life of a child, please visit Children’s Fund’s website at www.childrensfundonline.org or call 909.379.0000.  Follow us on Facebook: http://on.fb.me/W4Wymf