Tony and Lauren Dungy Support “I am for the child” Campaign
TAMPA, Fla. (June 9, 2017) — Tony and Lauren Dungy are teaming up with the Guardian ad Litem (GAL) program to recruit those who will speak up for children in foster care. The Dungys shared time from their busy schedules to record a PSA for the “I am for the child” campaign, an effort in Hillsborough county and across the state to raise awareness of the need for more child advocates. https://youtu.be/YzIcPaCwnzk
Tony and Lauren believe all children need a safe and loving environment and so became foster parents many years ago. They hope to get the attention of adults who will be there to protect the best interests of these kids. “Children in foster care need a voice,” said Lauren. “A GAL makes a difference for these children every day.”
Tabitha Lambert, Circuit Director for the Hillsborough GAL office said, “There are over 3,600 abused, abandoned and neglected children in our foster care system, more than anywhere else in Florida. About half of these children currently face the dependency court system alone. Having Tony and Lauren help us spread the word will be an enormous boost for our mission of attracting more volunteers. We are very grateful for their efforts on behalf of our kids!”
According to Guardian ad Litem, it only takes 10-12 hours per month to volunteer. Often a GAL is the one consistent adult in a foster child’s life. Children paired with a GAL volunteer are more likely to perform better in school, receive more services, and even find a forever family more quickly.
“The impact can last a lifetime,” said Tony. “To make a difference in a child’s life could not be more rewarding.”
The PSA will be released over the next few months through social media and regional broadcast partners.
For more information about volunteering as a GAL advocate, call (813) 272-5110 or visit www.galtampa.org.
About Guardian ad Litem (GAL)
The Florida Guardian ad Litem Program is a partnership of community advocates and professional staff providing a powerful voice on behalf of Florida’s abused, abandoned and neglected children.
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Sharon Beningfield, Outreach Coordinator
813-272-5110 or 813-307-3323
sharon.beningfield@gal.fl.gov