"Anytime we can bring attention to those who are trying to help the children most in need, it is important. The work is very hard, and, at times, frustrating. Especially when you can't convince people to support the cause."

Catherine Milton has been committed to helping children and communities in need for nearly 30 years. She was the architect and first director of the Commission of National and Community Service, one of the most far-reaching youth/ community service initiatives in U.S. history. In 1983, she founded the Haas Center for Public Service at Stanford University, which increased student involvement in community service from 40 to 80 percent within five years. Milton served as vice president and executive director of United States programs for Save the Children, Inc., which is dedicated to creating positive changes in the lives of disadvantaged children in 40 countries around the world. Before leaving her position at Save the Children, Milton produced a book titled, "American's Forgotten Children: Child Poverty in Rural America." This comprehensive report on the challenges faced by children living in poverty provided recommendations for change. Milton was recently appointed as president of Friends of the Children, a national program that provides at-risk children with professionally trained, full-time mentors. The program has received national recognition as one of the most promising and innovative programs for at-risk youth. Friends of the Children benefits children both academically and socially in 11 cities in the United States. For more information, please visit www.friendsofthechildren.com.

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