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 COLUMBUS,
Ohio (May 15, 2003) — It’s a busy month for Gregory Smith. At 13, there
are hoops to shoot, a college diploma to receive, and world peace to
work on. All in a day of the life of this remarkable young person, whose
heart is as big as his intellect. And as the newly tapped co-chair of
the World of Children Awards, Smith is also planning just how he and his
International Youth Advocates organization can work with the World of
Children to continue to support children throughout the world.
David Lippy, president of the World of Children, says that’s easy —
there’s a natural spot for Smith in the mission of the World of
Children.
“It’s a match made in heaven. Here we have the World of Children Awards
— the world’s most prestigious and only international recognition for
people who have devoted their lives to children — and Gregory Smith, who
has devoted all of his young life so far to helping children. Our
organization and Greg’s both bring a message that the world’s children
deserve a voice, and that those who inspire and take action on behalf of
children should be recognized,” said Lippy.
Lippy adds that Smith is one of those who inspires and takes action on
behalf of children, and who was a contender to be recognized through the
World of Children’s $15,000 Founder’s Award, which honors youth helping
other youth. But instead of agreeing to be an award contender this year,
he agreed to co-chair the awards with long-time chair Muhammad Ali, and
shine light on other people who are working to help children.
“The ideals and goals of the World of Children Awards are the same as
mine. My focus has always been on peace through education because
education breeds understanding and understanding leads to alternative
solutions,” said Smith. “The $100,000 Kellogg’s and Cardinal Health
World of Children Awards honor people who devote their lives to children
throughout the world, and support them by educating the world about
their achievements and providing financial support so they can continue
helping children who cannot help themselves.”
No small words from a young man who, at 13 years old, has founded
International Youth Advocates, a philanthropic foundation for children,
serves as the youth spokesperson for World Centers of Compassion for
Children, has discussed his ideas with Mikhail Gorbachev, Queen Noor and
several U.S. presidents, routinely travels the world to lobby and take
action on behalf of suffering children, is Youth Ambassador for the
Christian Children's Fund, and has been nominated for the Nobel Peace
Prize — twice. He is also a young man who graduated from high school at
age 10, will graduate from college with honors at 13, and hopes to earn
PhDs in math, aerospace engineering, political science and biomedical
engineering.
Smith has been featured on many talk shows, interviewed by major
broadcast and print media throughout the world, and as he gets ready to
graduate this month, is preparing for more of the same. Although he will
willingly talk about his educational accomplishments, Smith’s
eyes come alive when discussing his role as a champion of nonviolence
and children's rights. And despite his many accomplishments in this
arena, he is still humbled by others.
“The World of Children Awards have been bestowed on some really amazing
and awesome people, from Father Wasson in Mexico to Dr. Nimnicht in
Colombia to Ms. Magee in America, and everyone in between. These are
people who devoted their time, energy, and limited resources to making
the world better for children, and who expected nothing in return. I am
honored to help recognize these incredible children’s advocates,” said
Smith.
The World of Children awards are given annually to two people who
inspire action and make a positive contribution to the lives of children
throughout the world. Now in its sixth year, the awards program includes
the $100,000 Kellogg's Child Development Award that honors an individual
who has made a significant lifetime contribution to children’s futures
by greatly improving their opportunities to learn and grow, and the
$100,000 Cardinal Health Children’s Care Award that recognizes an
individual who has made a significant lifetime contribution to the
health and well-being of children. A $15,000 Founders Award is also
given each year to a youth who has made significant contributions to
enhancing the lives of other youth.
About the Cardinal Health Foundation
The Cardinal Health Foundation was formed in January 2001 as a focal
point of Cardinal Health’s (NYSE: CAH) corporate community relations
effort. Supported by the global resources of the Cardinal Health family
of companies and 50,000 employees around the world, the Foundation’s
mission is to advance and fund programs that improve access to and
delivery of quality healthcare services in Cardinal Health’s markets.
Cardinal Health, Inc. (www.cardinal.com), with annual revenues of more
than $44 billion, is a leading provider of products and services
supporting the healthcare industry.
About Kellogg’s Corporate Citizenship Fund (KCCF)
KCCF is the charitable arm of Kellogg Company. With projected annual
sales of about $8 billion, Kellogg Company (www.kelloggs.com) is the
world’s leading producer of cereal and a leading producer of convenience
foods. Brands include Kellogg’s, Keebler, Pop-Tarts, Eggo, Cheez-It,
Nutri-Grain, Rice Krispies, Murray, Austin Morningstar Farms, Famous
Amos, Carr’s Plantation, Ready Crust and Kashi.
About World of Children
World of Children Inc. (www.WorldOfChildren.org) is a nonprofit
organization whose mission is to inspire action on behalf of children,
the world's largest voiceless minority and its most important asset, by
raising global awareness of the plight of children and recognizing the
achievements of individuals who have had a profound positive effect on
their well-being. Since 1998, the World of Children Awards program has
recognized 31 honorees from 16 countries, awarding more than $600,000
that has been reinvested in helping children.
For more information, contact:
David W. Lippy, President, World of Children, Inc.
614-939-1533 or DLippy@WorldOfChildren.org
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For more information, contact:
David W. Lippy, President, World of Children, Inc.
614-939-1533 or
dlippy@WorldOfChildren.org
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