RALEIGH -- Supporting kids and making sure all children have equal access to a basic education, that’s the common theme that connects those working hard to make a difference in area student’s lives. And now, those “champions for children” are being honored right here in North Carolina.
The NC Foundation for Public School Children is hosting their annual Champions for Children Gala, recognizing community leaders from different walks of life for their work to help students reach their full educational potential. 2018 inductees include the following:
- Roy Williams (Head Coach, UNC Tarheels Basketball)
- AT&T & Venessa Harrison (North Carolina President)
- Senator Terry Van Duyn (Buncombe County)
- Larry Perkins (VP & Assistant General Manager, Carolina Hurricanes & PNC Arena)
- Dr. Dumas A. Harshaw, Jr (Pastor, Raleigh First Baptist Church)
- Bob Spearman, Posthumous (Attorney, Leandro vs North Carolina)
Spectrum News anchor Caroline Blair sat down with NCFPSC’s Executive Director Marca Hamm, and the head of their Board of Director’s Jessica Holms for a look at this years gala. They say every day, children struggle in school for the simple lack of access to basic school supplies, like shoes that fit, eyeglasses so they can read, appropriate clothing, hearing aids and the list goes on. They say the North Carolina Foundation for Public School Children's mission is to “meet those basic needs as quickly as possible so the child can be in school and focus on learning.”
This years Champions for Children Gala takes place on Friday April 27 with a cocktail hour at 6 p.m., followed by dinner at 7 p.m. The evening for a cause takes place at the Angus Barn Pavilion.