World of Children History & Milestones

The World of Children was conceived by Founder Harry Leibowitz in 1996.
The first Awards were presented in 1998.
World of Children, was first launched in conjunction with Starr Commonwealth of Albion, Michigan, and one of its subsidiaries; The Hannah Neil Center in Columbus, Ohio. Starr Commonwealth provides treatment for children with severe behavioral problems on several campuses in the Midwest of the U.S. and also provides support for other child service organizations such as World of Children.
In 1998, the first sponsors joined the organization including The Kroger Company, Bob Evans Farms, Inc., and America West Airlines.
Kellogg's became the Founding Sponsor in 1998 and generously provided underwriting for the first eight years of the program, investing a total of $2 Million dollars.
From 1998 to 2001, the World of Children awards program was called The Kellogg's Hannah Neil World of Children Awards and three Honorees were selected each year.
In 2000, Mohammad Ali joined the organization serving as the Honorary Chair. Mr. Ali's image was featured on Kellogg's cereal boxes in support of World of Children, he has attended numerous annual Awards events, and has published several articles and letters of endorsement, most notably in USA Today.
In 2002, Cardinal Health joined Kellogg's as a Platinum Sponsor allowing the program to expand. At this time, the Kellogg's sponsorship funded the World of Children Humanitarian Award honoring vital work in the areas of humanitarian aid and social services. The Cardinal Health sponsorship funded the World of Children Health Award for Honorees who are serving children with medical services and scientific advances.
Later in 2002, the World of Children Board of Governors approved a proposal from the Founders to create a third Award, the Founder's Youth Award. This Award is funded each year by Co-Founders Harry Leibowitz and Kay Isaacson-Leibowitz, together with their friends and family.
In 2003, UNICEF and the U.S. Fund for UNICEF aligned with the World of Children. The high profile Awards Ceremonies were then moved from Columbus, Ohio, to UNICEF House in New York City.
In 2005, World of Children became an independent 501(c)3 nongovernmental organization (NGO) led by a prestigious 14 member Board of Governors.
In 2007, World of Children established its headquarters in Northern California.
In 2008, World of Children received its 2,000th Nomination to date.
At the close of 2008, World of Children had recognized 78 Honorees working in more than 100 countries and serving children in profound ways, including offering health care, education, adoption, career training, rehabilitation for war victims, and providing safety from indentured servitude.
As of the close of 2009, World of Children had recognized 84 Honorees working in the United States as well as in more than 100 countries around the world. These people are serving the needs of the most vulnerable children in their societies and making profound changes in these children's lives. Services provided cover the entire range of issues affecting children including health care, education, adoption, career training, rehabilitation for war victims and those who have been forced into indentured servitude, child safety and many other issues.