November 18, 2020
Thank you to everyone who joined us last night to support Children’s Rights at our gala benefit. While this year COVID-19 changed where and how we celebrated, 358 of our big-hearted supporters joined us from across the nation.
As our fabulous emcee Jordan Roth put it: Remember hope? Thanks to you, it’s back! We’re proud to say that with your help last night we raised $280,283 during the one-hour event, and are just $69,717 away from our goal of raising $750,000 through our fall #1Nation4Children Campaign. We are still accepting donations and aiming to reach our goal by Thanksgiving. Now that’s something to be grateful for! Text Children2020 to 243 725 to help us build #1Nation4Children and protect more of our nation’s kids.
The night was full of unforgettable moments.
Seeing…
A new video featuring Rosario Dawson
We watch a little child trapped in a big scary system – kept safe thanks to Children’s Rights. Rosario Dawson lent her heart and her voice and made sure this little film packs a big punch.
Hearing…
Emotional tributes to Children’s Rights
Advocates from our Tales of Strength & Love Series joined us – and inspired us.
Here’s some of what they had to say: 
“I’ve been through the system myself, and my message to them is: This isn’t the end of your life, but the beginning of your story. They can choose where they want to go and be who they want to be. And we must remind them of that. The system does not define them, nor did it define me. But it made me who I am today.” 
“My heart hurts for those who don’t have advantages like me. Who are aging out of care and going into an unstable world. But I believe in the work of Children’s Rights. Many kids can’t fight for themselves. They can’t speak for themselves. But Children’s Rights makes them heard.”
“I still remember the day the judge’s decision came down, Texas was ordered to significantly reform its child welfare system. This is going to change the lives of many many children.”
“My mom is both my hero and my role model. Now that I am the father of two beautiful baby girls I want to be the shining example that my mother was to me. I’m a cop. I love what I do. I believe that my unique life experiences will assist me in helping relate to, communicate with, and protect my community.”
Learning…
from our partners
Experts Lexie Gruber and Sixto Cancel laid out policies and programs that can bring the reforms we need to child welfare systems as the pandemic rages on, and eliminate practices that reinforce structural racism, criminalize poverty, and tear families apart.
Honoring…
Cyndi Lauper
Harvey Fierstein presented the 2020 Children’s Rights Inspiration Award to a woman who has used talent and a unique blend of celebration and activism to give voice to the hopes, dreams, and struggles of the LGBTQ community.
Applauding…
An Icon
Cyndi Lauper accepted her award graciously in her unmistakable New York accent: “Harvey’s right, we’re all one family. So thank you Children’s Rights for this extraordinary honor and for all that you do to protect these vulnerable kids and bring them hope.”
Cyndi then blew us all away with a gorgeous rendition of the iconic song True Colors.
