September 2009 Designated As National Child Awareness Month

Senators Richard Burr (R-NC) and Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), today announced that the United States Senate unanimously passed Senate Resolution 223 designating the month of September 2009 as National Child Awareness Month, July 24, 2009. The companion bill, House Resolution 438, passed with a unanimous vote in the House of Representatives on May 18, 2009.

“Charitable organizations that serve our nation’s children provide invaluable services that enrich the lives of children and their families and our nation as a whole,” said Senator Richard Burr. “These charities help to provide a better future for our children and youth. I am pleased the Senate passed this resolution recognizing the hundreds of charitable organizations throughout the United States that work every day in the interest of our nation’s children.”

“Children’s charities provide important services to millions of disadvantaged youngsters to help better prepare them for the future,” said Senator Dianne Feinstein. “The invaluable work they do every day in communities in California and across the country — including afterschool tutoring, counseling services for at-risk youth, and outdoor and arts activities — should be acknowledged and praised, particularly in these tough economic times.”

The history behind the recognition of National Child Awareness Month can be attributed to Sandy Segerstrom Daniels, Founder & Executive Director of Festival of Children Foundation, who initiated this effort eight years ago and has been diligent in raising awareness of this issue through the local, state and federal political processes and by enlisting the assistance of charitable organizations nationwide. Bearing a striking resemblance to Festival of Children Foundation’s goals and objectives, National Child Awareness Month has been designated to promote awareness of children’s charities and youth-serving organizations across the United States and to recognize the charitable efforts on behalf of children and youth as a critical contribution to the future of our nation.

“Our children are the greatest legacy that our nation can invest in,” remarked Sandy. “I appreciate the continued support of Senators Burr and Feinstein and Congressman Ken Calvert and Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez in making National Child Awareness Month an effective tool to increase awareness of the needs for children in our country.”

Although Festival of Children Foundation supports more than 400 member organizations, NCAM is meant to raise awareness for all children’s charities nationwide, and all are invited to take part in NCAM’s mission to focus America’s attention on four guiding principles:

Nurture one child. That’s all it takes to make a difference.

Children are the future of philanthropy. It’s our responsibility to teach them the importance of sharing and giving back.

Actions speak louder than words. Find a children’s cause that’s important to you and get involved.

Many hands make light work. So join forces with those who share your goals and dreams.

Daniels’ foundation will host the 8th Annual Festival of Children® in celebration of NCAM beginning September 4th at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, CA. The month-long Festival will offer over 100 free family activities and events, including: live music and dance performances, celebrity appearances, and arts and crafts, while showcasing several youth-serving organizations proudly serving children in the community.

About Festival of Children Foundation
Festival of Children Foundation is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization that serves to bring together and coordinate the efforts of charities, companies and individuals who actively work to improve the lives of children. Festival of Children Foundation gives a voice, guidance and support. 100% of the administrative costs are covered by designated funding, allowing donations to go further in direct support of programs and services that improve the lives of children. For more information, please visit Festival of Children