14th Annual Be A Voice Awards Luncheon to Recognize Most Valuable Protectors

Oct. 2, 2008 - PRLog -- Miami, FL- Following its annual tradition, Voices For Children Foundation, the fundraising arm of the 11th Judicial Circuit Guardian Ad Litem Program, will celebrate the organization’s MVPs, Most Valuable Protectors, at its 14th Annual Be A Voice Awards Luncheon on Friday, October 10, 2008 at Jungle Island. For a second consecutive year, the Luncheon is presented by Stearns Weaver Miller Weissler Alhadeff & Sitterson, P.A. Individual tickets may be purchased for $125 and tables of ten are $1,250. Registration starts at 11:30 a.m.  For more information, please contact Jason Cover, Events Manager at 305.324.5678 ext. 17 or email jcover@voices4.org.

Every year, Voices For Children’s Luncheon celebrates its Most Valuable Protectors, those individuals, corporations, and members of the community who have made a significant contribution in the area of child abuse and neglect in Miami-Dade County, with awards being presented in different categories. Past recipients of the MVP Awards include Dave Barry, Laurie Jennings, Governor Jeb Bush, Romero Britto, Bacardi USA, HSBC, and David Lawrence, Jr., to name just a few invaluable supporters of Voices For Children and child advocates.

With a revamped look aligned with the organization’s visual imagery, the 14th Annual Be A Voice Awards Luncheon is once again presented by Stearns Weaver Miller Weissler Alhadeff & Sitterson, P.A. The support of organizations and corporations such as this is pivotal to Voices’ fundraising success and essential to fulfilling the mission of the organization. “We are proud of our on-going partnership with Voices For Children and pleased to support their mission to provide critical resources to vulnerable children in our community,” said Rick Schatz, the firm’s Managing Director.  

This year, the recipients of Voices For Children’s Most Valuable Protectors Awards in different categories are:

      Corporate Leadership Award: Kevin McCarty; Citi Smith Barney
      Legal Advocacy Award: Hogan & Hartson LLP
      Philanthropy Award: The Continental Group
      Advocate Award: Joni Goodman; Past Executive Director, 11th    
                                                    Judicial Circuit Guardian Ad Litem Program
      Voices For Children Award: Bellak Color


Voices For Children Foundation is a not for profit organization that raises funds to ensure that every abused, abandoned, and neglected child in Miami-Dade County has a court appointed Guardian Ad Litem and that financial assistance and other resources are available for their accompanying health, educational, and social needs. Guardians Ad Litem are trained, court-appointed adults who serve as the representative voice for abused, abandoned, and neglected children involved in dependency court proceedings.  Be a Voice, visit www.voices4.org.
               
Stearns Weaver Miller Weissler Alhadeff & Sitterson, P.A is a full service law firm with over 100 attorneys serving clients throughout Florida and nationwide. With offices in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Tampa, we are privileged to serve a loyal client base that ranges from small businesses and entrepreneurs to Fortune 500 companies and major financial institutions.

While we are proud of the landmark legal victories achieved for our clients, we are equally proud of our pro bono efforts on behalf of those unable to afford counsel. We are dedicated to community-based, charitable organizations and provide regular contributions of time and financial resources to those in need.

Consistently recognized as among the best in Florida, we enjoy numerous accolades from top publications including, The National Law Journal, Chambers USA, and The Best Lawyers in America.



With the support of Stearns Weaver Miller Weissler Alhadeff & Sitterson, P.A; Parrot Fish Studios; Akerman Senterfitt; Beachsound; Bilzin Sumberg; Hogan & Hartson; Jungle Island; Solo Printing; Mayor Carlos Alvarez; Honorable Chairman Bruno A. Barreiro - District 5;  Honorable Vice-Chair Barbara J. Jordan -District 1; Honorable Commissioner Dorrin D. Rolle - District 2; Honorable Commissioner Audrey Edmonson- District 3; Honorable Commissioner Sally A. Heyman -District 4; Honorable Commissioner Rebeca Sosa - District 6 ; Honorable Commissioner Carlos A. Gimenez -District 7; Honorable Commissioner Katy Sorenson - District 8; Honorable Commissioner Dennis C. Moss -District 9; Honorable Commissioner Javier D. Souto - District 10; Honorable Commissioner Joe A. Martinez - District 11; Honorable Commissioner Jose "Pepe" Diaz - District 12; Honorable Commissioner Natacha Seijas - District 13.

Voices’ Official Bronze Sponsor: Loop Consulting Group.

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Voices For Children raises funds to ensure that every abused, abandoned, and neglected child has a Guardian Ad Litem and that financial assistance is available for children's needs.