World of Children, a global recognition and funding organization for individuals exclusively serving the needs of vulnerable children, announced the full slate of extraordinary individuals to be honored at the 2017 World of Children Hero Awards on April 19 at Montage Beverly Hills. Brooke Burke-Charvetwill return for her third year as the Master of Ceremonies for the event, which will include a cocktail reception, dinner, and special performance by theCarlthorp School Chorus from Carlthorp School in Santa Monica, CA.
Model and child advocate Lily Aldridge Followill will present the first ever World of Children Crisis Award to CNN senior international correspondentArwa Damon, in recognition of her work for Syrian child refugees. Damon is the Founder of INARA, which provides life-altering medical care for children from conflict areas who have catastrophic injuries and are unable to access treatment due to war. Damon’s Award will include funding raised in collaboration with U.S. Fund for UNICEF.
Three other individuals will be honored for their work with vulnerable children in various parts of the world. Each individual honored at the event will receive a specially designed James Banks Design medal and a minimum cash grant of $20,000 to continue their outstanding work with children.
Dr. Jumana Odeh founded The Palestinian Happy Child Centre in 1994 in Ramallah to provide treatment and care to children with trauma and neurological disorders, as well as learning and developmental disabilities.
Dr. Jorge Rojas-Zegers founded COANIQUEM in his native Chile to provide young burn victims throughout Latin America comprehensive rehabilitation treatment free of charge.
Meghan Pasricha co-founded Global Youth H.E.L.P Inc. in 2003 to harness the power of youth by developing a global network of passionate youth leaders dedicated to creating positive change through health, education, and leadership programs.
