World Childhood Foundation ThankYou Gala
Photo by Michael Stewart/Getty Images
On the evening of September 16th, guests gathered in the Cipriani ballroom to honor the World Childhood Foundation (WCF) USA and celebrate yet another year of inspirational achievements. Since the founding of the organization in 1999 by Her Majesty Queen Silvia of Sweden, efforts have touched the lives of families in over 20 countries with thousands of projects implemented to defend against childhood sexual abuse worldwide. The night, aimed to fundraise and build awareness for children’s rights, also honored activists Forest Whitaker, Andrea Bocelli, and Paul Polman for their individual contributions among education and prevention.
Maestro Andrea Bocelli, HRH Princess Madeleine, Actor Forest Whitaker Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images
The WCF believes in challenging adults to acknowledge their duty in helping to protect innocence in the face of abuse. Her Royal Highness Princess Madeleine, has previously launched a campaign initiative, #EyesWideOpen, to give users the resources needed to understand how they can implement change within the issue of children’s rights.
Malin Akerman and HRH Princess Madeleine Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images
Tessa Chermiset, Johan Ernst Nilson, Christine Mack Photo by Michael Stewart/Getty Images
Miss Sweden Louise Camuto Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images
This past year, HRH Princess Madeleine has been devoted to the development of a modernized tool enabling the world of technology and it’s users with resources to protect the children in their own lives. The collaboration with non-profit organization Darkness to Light and telecommunications expert Ericsson announced the launch of this mobile app titled the “Stewards of Children Prevention Toolkit.” It is the hope of those involved with the invention that the world will not remain blind to the issue so consequently affecting today’s youth. Child sexual abuse is a global issue and today technology reaches more civilizations worldwide than ever before. Thus, individuals have the power to become an integrative step in educating and ending child exploitation and trafficking.
Veronica Berti and Andrea Bocelli Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images
The subject of child sexual abuse is public, and therefore cannot be ignored. Leaders involved in the project believe it is not a challenge, but a duty for organizations as well as individuals to work together to influence these children’s lives. The night celebrated a year of immense strides to reach advancement and look forward to a future of influence.
HRH Princess Madeleine Photo by Michael Stewart/Getty Images
This year, Childhood USA will support nine projects within the country as well as continue to extend their support globally to further open the eyes of the world.
To help or donate please visit: http://www.childhood.org/
Photos courtesy of World Childhood Foundation
