WHAT: Florida’s Children First 2017 Tampa Bay Area Child
Advocacy Awards & Reception
WHEN: Thursday, June 15, 2017 / 5:30PM to 7:30PM
WHERE: Shook Hardy & Bacon, LLP
100 Tampa Street, Suite 2900, Tampa, Florida 33602
WHO: Florida’s Children First, the state’s premiere independent advocacy organization, will honor child advocates in Miami at its annual fundraising and awards event. Community and business leaders, and all other persons concerned about the future of Florida’s children, especially abused, abandoned and neglected children and youth, will be in attendance.
HONORING: MAMIE WISE – Pro Bono Counsel of the Year
Mamie, a Crossroads For Florida Kids pro bono attorney, has been an extraordinary advocate for two vulnerable teen girls in the foster care system. In both cases, she spent tireless hours and years making certain they had proper educational placement, visitation with family friends, and to obtain appropriate clothing. She currently is employed at the firm of Zuckerman Spaeder LLP, where her areas of practice are white collar criminal defense, internal investigations, and commercial litigation law has proved beneficial for her current firm and its clients, and for the poor children in our community for whom she has provided pro bono representation.
TERRY & KATHY BEYER – Adoptive Family of the Year
Terry and Kathy Beyer are an exceptional couple who are committed to caring for children. The Beyer’s have been fostering for 6 years and have also adopted one child. The Beyer’s welcome children from birth through teens and have been foster parents for infants who have been drug exposed, a child with Downs Syndrome, and children who have suffered trauma and neglect. They are open to learning all that they can to help these children and applying that knowledge to address problem behaviors, speech impediments, learning needs, or anything else to help them succeed.
ANNA ZHANG – Outstanding Youth Mentor of the Year
Anna is 21 and studying Criminal Justice at FAMU. She currently serves as the Statewide Legislative Chair of Florida Youth SHINE “FYS” and is a member of Tallahassee Chapter FYS. She came into care when she was 13 with her younger sister. She remained in foster care until 18. This was a tough and emotional time moving several times to different foster homes and often separated from her sister. Anna has spoken to countless legislators, lead statewide quarterly meetings, and was a key youth advocate in testifying several times before House and Senate committees on behalf of Keys to Independence bill that passed.
KADEIDRA CLOIRD – Outstanding Youth of the Year
Currently a Senior at USF and a member of the Hillsborough Chapter of Florida Youth SHINE. She plans to get her Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, continue for her Master’s and plans to be a Healthcare Administrator. KaDeidra stated; “Being in foster care gave me a different outlook on life. I came from a bad situation, but I was still able to find the good in it and push myself to become a better person. Through my obstacles, I still persevered. I realized that no matter what life may throw at me or what I may be faced with, I still have to keep pressing on”.
RSVP: Email events@floridaschildrenfirst.org or call 954-796-0860 Or RSVP online at www.floridaschildrenfirst.org
All proceeds to benefit FCF. $100 contribution suggested.
About Florida’s Children First: Florida’s Children First is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the rights of at-risk children and youth, especially those in foster care. Uniquely positioned as Florida’s premiere independent advocacy organization, our mission is to seek full representation of children and youth and obtain meaningful and sustainable improvement in Florida’s child serving systems.
Media Contact: Laura Rebollo 954-796-0860 or Laura.Rebollo@floridaschildrenfirst.org