Hannah Neil 
World of Children Awards

Nearly a thousand children from around Columbus gathered at COSI on November 19 to meet the amazing Honorees of the World of Children. Opening ceremonies included introductions by WOC President, David Lippy, WOC co-chair Greg Smith, former astronaut and CEO of COSI, Kathy Sullivan and the energetic First Lady of Columbus, Frankie Coleman. Excitement filled the auditorium as the presenters introduced each Honoree and then whisked them away to private meeting rooms. The students, who had studied the Honorees since the beginning of the school year, followed behind, ready to share what they had learned.

In the break-out rooms, Honorees and students engage in conversations full of smiles, giggles and serious contemplation. Honorees overcame cultural barriers by telling stories about the children they have met through their work. Many schools had special projects to share. COSI’s hallway was lined with posters combining research on the Honorees’ countries, poems, creative news stories and colorful art displays. Elizabeth Jones was presented with a check for $550 and a bundle of teddy bears to take back to the children in Tijuana, Mexico. Another classroom organized a bake sale and donated the proceeds to the Ryan’s Well Foundation. The students were truly excited to be able to make a difference in the lives of other children.

Finally, the students reconvened and were challenged through an Action Project to create 4,000 school and health kits for children living in Sierra Leone. Kits included items such as pencils, erasers, colored paper, Highlights for Children, Band-Aids, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, lotion, tissues and tennis balls, donated by Cardinal Health, Fifth Third Bank and the Brother’s Brother Foundation. After learning about the Action Project, Cardinal Health employees in Chicago decided to chip in as well. Donating personal time and resources, they bought with their own money the remaining items for the kits. The students, motivated after a day devoted to people helping other people, managed to pack all 4,000 kits in a record-breaking 22 minutes!

As the day drew to a close, many students gave goodbye hugs to the Honorees while others asked for autographs and to have their picture taken with them. All of the young people attending gained a better understanding of the plight of children worldwide. Finally, the participating students genuinely connected to our heroes, because the Honorees were real life role models who have demonstrated how each of us can make a difference.

How many Nobel caliber children’s advocates did we inspire? Thank you to our wonderful Honorees and Alumni who are making a world of difference in the lives of children. Also a huge thank you to all of our volunteers and sponsors!
 

Kathleen Sullivan from COSI (left) and David Lippy, World of Children President speak to the Kids' Town Hall Meeting attendees

Everyday People created the education and service initiative, which serves as the core curriculum and reference guide for this study program. 

Thank you Kathy Meyer and Ellen
Erlanger!

 

Contact
To find out more about participation or potential sponsorships, call Suzan Nocella, Director of Operations, at (614) 491-3633 or e-mail Suzan@WorldofChildren.org
 

Presenting Sponsor


Sponsors:
Brother's Brother

Columbus Medical Association

Everyday People

Fifth Third Bank

ImpuseWear