The Children’s Trust’s Champions for Children Award Ceremony is back for its 19th annual celebration of the individuals and organizations that inspire the entire child advocacy community. This year’s ceremony will celebrate the stories and accomplishments of honorees who were selected among an incredible pool of community members who serve children and families in Miami-Dade County.
The Trust’s signature celebration will be held at Jungle Island on April 30 with individual tickets and tables available for purchase to the public. The Trust created the Champions for Children Awards to recognize and honor the dedication, commitment, and hard work of individuals and organizations that have gone above and beyond in their efforts to support the well-being of children. The awards highlight those who have made a lasting impact through advocacy, direct service, youth leadership, and innovative and effective programming.
This year’s honorees represent a diverse range of abilities and backgrounds all in the service of children, youth, and their families.
The signature David Lawrence Jr. Champion for Children Award is bestowed upon Constance Collins. For more than two decades, Collins, a former Trust board member, has been the Founder and President of the Sundari Foundation, Inc., best known as the Lotus House Women’s Shelter. A former lawyer and businesswoman, she has overseen the development and growth of Lotus House, which has set national standards in trauma-informed, evidence-based practices to end homelessness, with a focus on children and gender-specific needs.
This year’s Excellence in Advocacy award winner is Jorge A. Plasencia, whose professional and philanthropic contributions, including co-founding Amigos for Kids, have had a profound impact on our community.
Linda Hudson, a senior classroom assistant at UM's Linda Ray Intervention Center, is the recipient of the Excellence in Direct Service award. Hudson has spent over half a century dedicated to children and families, providing unwavering support and care.
The Excellence in Youth Leadership award goes to Maurits Acosta, a senior at Hialeah-Miami Lakes High School. Maurits, a member of The Trust’s Youth Advisory Committee, has been a fervent advocate for civic engagement and community involvement among youth since middle school.
In addition to individual awards, three outstanding programs are being recognized for their exceptional service and commitment to enhancing the well-being of children and families: the Summer Youth Internship Program (SYIP), Lotus House Children Services Parenting Program, and Ten North Group’s Keeping Our Promise Program. These programs have demonstrated remarkable dedication to supporting and uplifting the community, providing valuable resources and opportunities for growth and development.
For more information on the upcoming Champions for Children Awards Ceremony and to purchase tickets, visit TheChildrensTrust.org/Champions and be a part of this unforgettable event.