Friends of the Children Celebrates World Champion Gymnast and National Ambassador Simone Biles at 30th Anniversary Gala

Media Assets: Event Photos | EPK (Carpet & Program Clips)

LOS ANGELES, CA – October 25, 2024 – Last night, Friends of the Children - a national nonprofit dedicated to impacting generational change by empowering youth through relationships with professional mentors - hosted the Friends of the Children 30th Anniversary Gala in Santa Monica, CA. Philanthropists, industry magnates, and celebrities united for an elegant evening at Hotel Casa del Mar to celebrate 30 years of impact and the inspiring philanthropy of the organization’s greatest advocates and partners. The gala featured musical performances and special tributes to World Champion Gymnast and Friends of the Children National Ambassador Simone Biles, and Friends of the Children founders Duncan Campbell and Cindy Campbell.

Friends of the Children CEO Terri Sorensen welcomed guests and led the first tribute of the night, honoring Friends of the Children founders Duncan and Cindy Campbell. “I want to thank everyone for traveling near and far to celebrate 30 years of generational change,” said Sorensen. She encouraged the crowd to raise their glasses in a toast to the organization’s founders for their dedication and leadership over the last three decades. “Tonight we honor Duncan and Cindy for their bold innovation, for their big hearts, and for their impact on over 20,000 children and caregivers throughout the last 30 years.”

Long-time supporters of Friends of the Children, Gary and Christine Rood then led a tribute to World Champion Gymnast Simone Biles. Biles was honored for her unwavering commitment to the organization’s mission of empowering youth with big dreams. After accepting a custom gold and sapphire necklace designed by Jessenia Landrum with the organization’s logo, Biles participated in a Q&A with Friends of the Children National Chief Officer of Expansion & Brand Management, Eric Gabrielson. “I’ve always wondered what my legacy would be, what I could do to give back... and then I found Friends of the Children,” she reflected. “There was an instant connection because I’ve gone through what these kids have gone through, I’ve grown through what these kids are going to grow through. I can see myself in these kids who just need someone who believes in them and that’s exactly what Friends of the Children does.” When asked what advice she would give to a child, Biles said, “The number one piece of advice I have for kids is to dream big and then dream bigger.”

Guests were serenaded with multiple musical performances throughout the evening. GRAMMY award-winning singer Abigail Washburn took to the stage to perform “Bright Morning Stars are Rising” in honor of her father Don Washburn, a Friends of the Children board member of over a decade. Later in the program, Friends of the Children alumni and singer, Tah-Jae Franklyn, performed an upbeat rendition of The Temptations’ “My Girl.” Afterward, Franklyn shared her personal experience with Friends of the Children and how the organization changed her life. “Since I was a child, music has always been my outlet. Friends of the Children helped me hone my talent and professionalism and provided me with opportunities to grow as an artist.”

The gala raised $3 million through a live appeal and auction to support Friend of the Children’s mission to impact generational change by empowering youth who are facing the greatest obstacles through relationships with professional mentors.

Additional attendees included Ahna O’Reilly (Actor), Shiri Appleby (Actor), Taryn Bird (Executive Director, Social Impact, Kate Spade New York), Kristen Rodiguez (Nonfiction Series Publicity, Netflix), Karie Conner (VP/GM North America Kids, Nike), Lindsay Bettinger (Athlete Partnerships, Athleta), Kiesha Nix, (VP Charitable Affairs, Executive Director, LA Lakers Youth Foundation), Jordon Wells (Vice President of Sales, Disney Advertising), Jen Rottenberg (Head of Consumer & Brand Marketing, Nulo Pet Food), and more.

For more information about Friends of the Children, please visit friendsofthechildren.org.

For photos and video clips from the event, please visit the following links:

• PHOTOS: CLICK HERE (Credit: Jason Sean Weiss/BFA for Friends of the Children)

• VIDEO CLIPS: CLICK HERE (Credit: Friends of the Children)

ABOUT FRIENDS OF THE CHILDREN

Friends of the Children is a national nonprofit with the mission of impacting generational change by empowering youth who face the greatest obstacles through relationships with professional mentors – 12+ years, no matter what. Our successful model is now in 41 locations around the country. Our work has been featured in The New York Times, CNN, Stanford Social Innovation Review, and CBS News. Visit friendsofthechildren.org to learn more and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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