Festival of Children: National Child Awareness Month

A creative sculpture of cans for a good cause

The month of September is full of energy. It is the month that usually marks the beginning of schools for many around the country.  It is a time where preparation is important to starting a successful school year.  Many are fortunate to transition into this time without too much trouble. A mild case of stress for getting the correct school supplies, anticipating the perfect teacher(s), having a good assortment of clothing, and planning the exact lunches that will be eaten.  While many are making these typical preparation choices, there are others who are making more difficult choices, who need assistance from charities.

The month of September not only marks the beginning of school, it also marks the beginning of the month long awareness campaign of Festival of Children at South Coast Plaza.  The Festival of Children Foundation was created to bring children's charities into a network so ideas and resources can be shared to further the strength and outreach of the charity. Throughout South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, California, booths are set up with information for each charity’s resources available.  During the weekends, events take place all geared towards children.  The weekends buzz throughout the month while children's dance and music groups perform, activities and crafts are happening, and each charity has a representative at their booth.  16 can sculptures created from different organizations are placed around the plaza, with all 60,000 cans being donated to Orange County food banks after the event.

As the founder of Festival of Children Foundation, Sandy Segerstrom Daniels (an owner of South Coast Plaza), has also led the effort to have September 2014 declared as National Child Awareness Month. Senators Richard Burr (R-NC) and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) co-sponsored Senate Resolution 503, which passed by unanimous consent on July 16, 2014 designating September 2014 as National Child Awareness Month. September 2014 marks the 7th consecutive year for the designation.

S.Res.503 - A resolution designating September 2014 as "National Child Awareness Month" to promote awareness of charities benefitting children and youth-serving organizations throughout the United States and recognizing efforts made by those charities and organizations on behalf of children and youth as critical contributions to the future of the United States.

So during this month of children, it is a good time to reflect on abilities of all our children and how crucial it is for all of us to recognize the greatness in each child.  Each child is great, to be reminded of this Truth will bring children into adulthood with a knowing of purpose and value, this, in turn, leads to a strong community.

http://www.festivalofchildren.org/site/DocServer/Festival_of_Children_2014_Flyer_in_Progress.pdf?docID=4721