United States Senate Unanimously Approves Senate Resolution 644, Declaring September 2008 as National Child Awareness Month

Business Wire, Sept 23, 2008

The Bill, Co-Sponsored By Senators Richard Burr and Dianne Feinstein, Is the First-Ever Initiative to Promote Awareness of Children's Charities and Youth-Serving Organizations

WASHINGTON -- Senators Richard Burr (R-NC) and Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), today announced that the United States Senate unanimously passed Senate Resolution 644 designating the month of September 2008 as National Child Awareness Month. The companion bill, House Resolution 1296, passed with a unanimous vote in the House of Representatives on July 24th, 2008.

The history behind the recognition of National Child Awareness Month can be attributed to Sandy Segerstrom Daniels, Founder & Executive Director of Festival of Children Foundation, who initiated this effort seven years ago and has been diligent in raising awareness of this issue through the local, state and federal political processes and by enlisting the assistance of charitable organizations nationwide. Bearing a striking resemblance to Festival of Children Foundation's goals and objectives, National Child Awareness Month has been designated to promote awareness of children's charities and youth-serving organizations across the United States and to recognize the charitable efforts on behalf of children and youth as a critical contribution to the future of our nation.

"Charitable organizations that serve our nation's children provide invaluable services that enrich the lives of children and their families and our nation as a whole," stated Senator Richard Burr. "These charities seek to provide a better future for our children and youth. I am pleased the Senate passed this resolution recognizing the hundreds of charitable organizations throughout the United States that work everyday in the interest of our nation's children."

"Today's youth face many challenges at school and in their communities," said Senator Dianne Feinstein. "Children's charities provide essential services to millions of youngsters -- including afterschool tutoring and counseling as well as access to nature, the arts and sports activities. These experiences build character, help children learn important values such as respect and responsibility, and prepare them for the future. That is why the work of children's charities in California and across the country is so important."

"We are so excited to have the House of Representatives and the Senate recognize the importance of children and the charities that serve them across our nation by passing these resolutions," added Sandy. "Without the support of Senators Burr and Feinstein and Congressman Ken Calvert and Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez we wouldn't be able to take this first step to making National Child Awareness Month an effective tool to increase awareness of the needs for children in our country."

The designation of National Child Awareness Month will help to support the following initiatives:

* Diverse charitable organizations can come together under a united banner and focus on the bigger picture of children in America today.

* The issues of utmost importance facing children can be put front and center to encourage greater public involvement and support.

* The nation's focus can be brought back to the one resource that guarantees our country's greatness in the future-our children.

About Festival of Children Foundation

Festival of Children Foundation is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization. Festival of Children Foundation serves to bring together and coordinate the efforts of charities, companies and individuals who actively work to improve the lives of children. Festival of Children Foundation gives a voice, guidance and support. 100% of the money raised is spent directly on programs that benefit children and member charities. Festival of Children Foundation believes that together, every child's dream can become possible. For more information, please visit www.festivalofchildren.org.