Celebrating 45 Years of Successful Advocacy for Children
&
Recognizing the 2025 Champion for Children: Governor Josh Shapiro
On the evening of Tuesday, May 20, 2025, Children First will celebrate 45 years of successful advocacy for children and youth in Pennsylvania and honor Governor Josh Shapiro as the 2025 Champion for Children.
We have lots to celebrate, from the establishment of the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), to paving the way for tens of thousands of children to attend high quality pre-K programs, to addressing the resource constraints in public schools. Children First built the partnerships that galvanized bi-partisan support that caused these policies to take hold.
We are especially proud to share with you that at the 45th Anniversary Celebration we will honor Governor Josh Shapiro – a true Champion for Children.
Governor Shapiro has been a fierce advocate for children in Pennsylvania from day one. As a state lawmaker he put education at the center of the conversation. As Attorney General he launched a groundbreaking investigation and held child abusers accountable.
As the 48th Governor of Pennsylvania he is delivering for our kids to give every child in Pennsylvania the freedom to chart their own course and the opportunity to succeed.
We know that there are many other worthy causes and amazing regional leaders to honor, but we urge you to join Children First as a sponsor of our 45th Anniversary Celebration or by purchasing a ticket to join us at the party! In doing so, you’ll be among a growing list of corporations, organizations, and individuals who are actively stepping up to help us continue to improve the future for children.
Tickets and Sponsorship
Click here to purchase TICKETS – View our invitation package.
Click here to purchase Individual Sponsorships
Click here for Corporate Sponsorships
Are you a small business, with less than 100 employees, check out these Small Business Options.
Leading Sponsor:
Advocate Sponsors:
Lisa Kabnick and John McFadden
Supporting Sponsors:
Black Child Development Institute (BCDI) – Philadelphia & Vicinity
Brightside Academy
Community Behavioral Health (CBH)
Independence Blue Cross
Independence Foundation
Philadelphia Federation of Teachers
Philadelphia Housing Authority
Pincus Family Foundation
Premier Environments
Saul Ewing LLP
Temple University Health System
Ally Sponsors:
Holman
Jefferson Health / Health Partners Plans
Reinvestment Fund
Individual Sponsors:
Anonymous
AMJ Foundation
Carolyn & Tim Adams
Lindsay & Sam Albright
Majid Alsayegh
Larry Bomback
David Camp
Michael Churchill & Tasha Stonorov
David & Rhonda Cohen
Donna Cooper & Arthur Meckler
Jim & Jan Creedon
Harriet Dicther & John Schapiro
The Margaret Glenn Estey Fund
Chrissy Kind & Ralph Pomponi
Caroline Estey King
Bill Ewing
Richard & Susan Frazier
Amy Ginensky
Carole Gravagno
Jacqui & David Griffith
Steve & Barbara Gold
Mary Goldman
Rosemarie & Anne Greco-Morrisey
Janet Haas
Rosemarie & Jay Holt
Valerie Hamilton
Renee Hughes
Mary & Howard Hurtig
Phil Jaurigue
David Laigaie & CarolAnn Hoopes
Elaine Lindy & Lon Palitz
Nancy Lucas
Ed Mahlman & Moya Kinnealey
Ken & Eve Klothen
Jim Martin
Joanne McFall
Carol Melvin Pate & John Melvin
Lubna Mian
Leslie Miller & Richard Worley
Sara Nerken
Kathleen Noonan & Jonathan Lipson
Heidi Ramirez
Brian, Soozung & Robert Rankin
Estelle Richman
Ann Rosewater & Robert Kronley
ShaVon Savage
Stephen & Patty Segal
Darren Smith & Jamie Ware
H. Lynn Starr
The Marni Sweet Fund
M. Patricia West & Tom Vernon
Bob Victor & Lexa Edsall
Wendy Wolf
In-Kind Sponsors:
