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Highlands Today

Do You Know A 'Champion For Children?'

Nominations Sought For Kids’ Advocates As Part Of Annual Honor

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By MANDY SHEETS | Highlands Today

Published: June 2, 2008

Nomination Form

SEBRING — Pastor Mike Karl fell down a glacier last week, but considering he did it while on a cruise to Alaska, he doesn't mind the bruise.

The cruise is just one of the perks Mike and Pat Karl received after being chosen as the 2007 recipients of the Judge Clifton Kelly Champion for Children Award.

The Karls have run New Testament Church and Mission for 31 years and have served people more than one million meals and housing to get them back on their feet.

Now the Children's Services Council and Foundation are looking for their next "Champion for Children," whose name will be announced at the ninth annual gala, Sept. 25.

Kevin Roberts, chief executive officer of the foundation, said the event is unique for this community.
"We created this event to honor children advocates who rarely receive the recognition they deserve," Roberts said. "We elevate them to celebrity status and recognize the important role they play in our community."

Nancy Hensley, chairwoman of the foundation, said the perfect candidate is someone who has improved the quality of life for children.

"We look for people who have a ripple effect - what they do improves the lives of children and it carries on into the future to continue to improve the lives of children," Hensley said.

Finalists typically include teachers, ministers, coaches, mentors, social workers and philanthropists.
The general public nominates worthy candidates, through forms available at the Children's Advocacy Center and online at the Highlands Today Web site. Forms are due by July 7.

All nominees must reside in Highlands County, demonstrate a deep, caring desire to help children, have taken action to address a problem facing children or youth and have provided five years of service directly affecting the well-being of children. Past nominees for the award are eligible, but current members of the Children's Services Council and Foundation are not eligible.

A committee selects about 10 finalists, who provide a more detailed description of their service to children.

Finalists are invited to the gala, where they are recognized for their service and receive a crystal star commemorating their accomplishments.

The award is named for Judge Clifton Kelly, who served as a circuit court judge for 25 years in Highlands County. He designed a crime prevention curriculum and textbooks for youth, which stresses the importance of abiding by the law.

The Children's Services Foundation also is looking for sponsors for the event, which raises money for programs such as the Children's Advocacy Center, Family Safehouse, Emergency Rescue Fund, Kinsley L. Cox Living Memorial Fund and We Care Hotline.

For more information about becoming a sponsor or making a nomination, call the Children's Services Foundation at 402-6848.

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