Champions for Kids conference focused on mobilizing community

Unilever hosted on Thursday (Nov. 21) the fourth annual Champions for Kids Conference at the Embassy Suites in Rogers. Champions for Kids is a nonprofit that mobilizes millions of people to improve the lives of children.

The event brought together corporate executives, national nonprofit and educational leaders, bloggers and thought leaders committed to accelerating social impact for children. The conference also recognized community leaders during a National "Torch Awards" presentation.

In the United States, 16.4 million children go to school cold, hungry or without sufficient resources. Champions for Kids seeks to fill that gap.

“We want to make it easy for anybody in the community to help kids thrive,” said Chris Magness, director of marketing for the nonprofit.

Blake Brandes, chief program officer for Champions for Kids, designed workshops for the conference that educators and nonprofits can use to mobilize their communities to help as many children as possible where they live.

“I would love for people to be able to partner with some of the organizations they've met at the conference,” said Brandes. “Northwest Arkansas offers great opportunities for creative collaboration because so many companies and organizations here have massive reach and resources to create innovative programs.”

During an afternoon workshop, Susan Beebe, manager of social media and online communities for Tyson Foods Inc., discussed the impact of the company's Be a Hunger Hero campaign. The program, which launched in Sam's Club stores, donated more than 300,000 meals to hunger relief organizations.

“That's a big deal to us,” said Adelaide Schaeffer, president and CEO of Champions for Kids.

In his keynote speech, Dr. Hassan Tetteh, an award winning physician and surgeon, and a member the Champions for Kids board, implored guests to answer what he sees as life's most urgent question: what am I doing for others?

“The Schaeffer's have created an enduring legacy. Now we have the same opportunity,” remarked Tetteh.

Speaker Liz Murray inspired guests to take action by sharing her dramatic life story.

“Gratitude is realizing that everything you have could be lost,” she said.

Born to drug-addicted parents in the Bronx, Liz Murray went from being a homeless teen to a Harvard graduate. Her New York Times bestselling memoir, “Breaking Night,” tells the story of her journey to prevail against all odds.

“I am of the belief that no one gets to where they’re going alone,” said Murray.

Champions for Kids has helped nearly one million children through its programs. All money raised at the conference will go directly to schools.