Childcare Resources Announces 2008 Children's Advocate Award Recipients
Award nominees pose for a photo after the luncheon.
Childcare Resources has awarded its annual Children’s Advocate Award to Dr. Gary Edwards of the United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Birmingham, YWCA of Central Alabama’s KIDS Korner child care program, and the Monday Morning Quarterback Club. The three were among 26 individuals and organizations nominated for the award, which was given at the 18th annual Children’s Advocate Award Luncheon held March 13 at the Sheraton Birmingham Ballroom. The event honors those improving the lives of children in central Alabama and raises funds for Childcare Resources programs. Click here to view a video produced by CBS 42 honoring all the nominees
About the Luncheon
When: March 13, 2008, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Where: Sheraton Birmingham Ballroom
Why: Presented annually by Childcare Resources, the long-standing award honors persons and organizations with an extraordinary commitment to central Alabamas children. The event benefits children and families served by Childcare Resources.
Award Recipients:
- Dr. Gary Edwards of the United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Birmingham
- As executive director of the United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Birmingham, Edwards started many initiatives benefiting children with disabilities, including Hand In Hand a child care center for children of all abilities and a program training child care centers on how to include children with disabilities.
- YWCA of Central Alabama’s KIDS Korner child care program
- The KIDS (Kids in Distress) Korner child care program provides free, quality child care for families staying at area homeless shelters. Created by the YWCA of Central Alabama in 1985, it has served more than 1,000 children.
- The Monday Morning Quarterback Club.
- The Monday Morning Quarterback Club started in 1939 as a fellowship of football enthusiasts but quickly grew into a philanthropic organization that has given more than $19 million to children’s health causes. They hold an annual fall fund-raising drive that includes the SUPER 6 State High School Football Championships.
Nominees:
- AGAPE of Central Alabama
- Alabama Baby magazine
- Augie Angrisano, Primrose School of Meadowbrook
- Schoolwide Enrichment Program, Better Basics
- Birmingham Parent magazine
- The Birmingham Zoo
- Blount County Children’s Center
- The Children’s Trust Fund of Alabama
- Cornerstone Schools of Alabama
- Dr. Marquita Davis, State of Alabama Office of School Readiness
- Dr. Gary Edwards, United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Birmingham
- Al Folcher, Jr., The Rotary Club of Birmingham
- Susan Haskell, volunteer/philanthropist
- Heart Gallery Alabama
- HOPE Program, The Arc of Jefferson County
- Impact Alabama: A Student Service Initiative
- Jennifer and Craig Kelley, Homewood Church of Christ
- KIDS Korner, YWCA of Central Alabama
- Dr. Stephen Mitchell, UAB School of Dentistry
- Monday Morning Quarterback Club
- Dr. Kathleen Nelson, University of Alabama School of Medicine
- Reach Out and Read of Alabama
- Suzanne Respess, Children’s Health System
- Dr. Robbie Roberts, Harris Early Learning Center
- The Rotary Club of Birmingham
- Sit, Stay, Read! Program, Hand-in-Paw.
Honorary Chair: Deakins F. Rushton, president, James Rushton I Foundation
Sponsors (to date):
Presenting Sponsors

James Rushton I Foundation


Sustaining Sponsors



Supporting Sponsors




Sheryl and Jon Kimerling

Benefactors
ArchitectureWorks
Birmingham Coca-Cola Bottling Company
Bradley Arant Rose & White LLP
Brasfield & Gorrie
Brice Building Company Inc.
Cory Watson Crowder & DeGaris PC
Energen / Alagasco
Giattina Aycock Architecture Studio
Maralyn Wilson Gallery
O'Neal Steel
Print Smart
Red Mountain Theatre
Royal Cup
Luncheon Patrons
BE&K
Bhate Geosciences Corporation
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Birmingham
Joanna Burleson
Childcare Resources Junior Board
Hugh Gainer
Heart Gallery Alabama
Jemison Investments
JCCEO
Kid One Transport
James and Carol McLane
Molton, Allen & Williams Corporation
Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart PC
Cara Ross
Rotary Club of Birmingham
Stone Building
Success by 6
UAB
United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Birmingham
Volkert & Associates
Wiggins, Childs, Quinn & Pantazis LLC
Specials Thanks To
Jeanne Alexander, Bruce Business Products, Corporate Realty, Mary Sibert Davis, Duggan Property Services, Mrs. James H. Emack, Virginia D. Gauld, Graham & Company LLC, Troy and Ann Haas, B.L. Harbert International LLC, Harris Early Learning Center, L. Paul Kassouf & Co. PC, Judith Monheit, Jeanne Monk, Anne R. Moses, Frances King Quick, Amy Saag, Sterne Agee, TRO Jung/Brannen
Event Planning Committee Co-Chairs: Doug Dean and Elizabeth Hamlin
Event Planning Committee Members: Joanna Burleson, Willie Chriesman, Marzette Fisher, David Green, Lynn Kirkland, Guin Robinson, Cara Ross, Carla Simmons, Leila Watson
Special Feature: The presentation of the inaugural Margie Curry Lifetime Achievement Award to Curry, founding executive director of Childcare Resources.
Ticket or Sponsorship Information: Contact Joy Godsey at jgodsey@ccr-bhm.org or (205) 795-2207.