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History
The Pheonix Foundation for Children was founded by Thomas Abrams, President/CEO of
Pheonix Financial Groups, a private investment advisory firm based in
West Palm Beach, Florida.
Mr. Abrams sincere desire to "Make a difference in the lives of children comes from his own experience
as a young child who overcame physical challenges to become a successful athlete and businessman.
Mission
The foundation was originally created as a way to support local children's charities.
Since the foundation has no administrative costs, all money raised can go directly to help worthy
organizations.
The mission is to support charities that assist children who are neglected, abused or suffering
from life-threatening illnesses. In the beginning grants were made to many such charities, yet Mr. Abrams
felt it wasn't enough. He wanted to do more.
The Vision
Mr. Abrams envisioned an event that would honor some of the greatest advocates for children in the world,
dedicated individuals who have made a significant impact in the lives of children, Icons who have
inspired our children to reach higher.
The proceeds from this special event would then support those charities he was passionate about.
As a result, the Champion of Children Award Gala became a reality.
The Charities We Support
The Pheonix Foundation for Children allows any charities to participate in the annual
Champion of Children Award Gala by allowing them to sell sponsorships, tables, and individual
tickets to benefit their own organizations.
Since all of the planning and detail work is handled by the Pheonix Foundation,
the charity's valuable time can be focused on selling tickets. What makes this even more
appealing is that most of the costs are underwritten by Mr. Abrams, thus allowing a substantial
portion of the proceeds to be returned to the charity.
Proceeds from this years gala will benefit Special Olympics, The Adam Walsh Children's Fund/National
Center for Missing and Exploited Children and The Muscular Dystrophy Association, as well as other
charities supported by the Pheonix Foundation.
The foundation and it's board are committed to supporting these nationally recognized charities locally
and will continue to support them through annual proceeds of the event.
These are organizations that touch all of our hearts and have made a tremendous impact in bettering the
lives of children.
The Champions of Children Honorees
The first Champion of Children Award Gala took place in 1998.
When the foundation was reviewing possible recipients of its first award, the decision was clear.
What better recipient of the very first Champion of Children Award than "The Greatest Champion
of all Time." Muhammad Ali has been an advocate for children's causes internationally.
That year Mr. Ali and his legendary boxing trainer, Angelo Dundee were honored with the award.
They have stood as pillars of strength and have inspired children everywhere.
Proceeds from the first Champion of Children Gala benefited the Pembroke Pines Police Athletic League,
a charity that both men have supported for years.
In 1999, the foundation honored Apollo 11 Astronaut Buzz Aldrin and Hockey Great, Mario Lemieux.
What better icon than Buzz Aldrin, an American hero whose courage has inspired all of us for more than
30 years?
Mario Lemieux was not only one of the greatest hockey players of all time, but he uses his celebrity
status to raise millions of dollars for needy children through his annual Celebrity Golf Classic in Pittsburgh.
"Although they come from two entirely different worlds, both of these men have made a significant
impact in the lives of children and serve as incredible role models.
They are the exact definition of what a "Champions of Children" should be, said Mr. Abrams.
The 2000 Champion of Children Award recipient is Mrs. Eunice Kennedy Shriver who has without a
doubt, dedicated her life to helping children around the world.
As executive Vice President of the Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. Foundation and Honorary Chairman of
Special Olympics, an organization she founded, Eunice Kennedy Shriver has been a leader in the
worldwide struggle to improve and enhance the lives of individuals with mental retardation for more than
three decades.
Through her efforts, countless charities have benefited. Her work helping needy children and families is
virtually unparalleled. She is a role model who inspires those around her and a "Champion" to the
many children whose lives have been touched by her kindness and support.
Why is this event so unique?
This event simply cannot be duplicated! The Champion of Children Award Gala is unique in every detail.
The Honorees are among the most admired individuals in the world, Muhammad Ali, Angelo Dundee,
Buzz Aldrin, Mario Lemieux and Mrs. Eunice Kennedy Shriver.
Each honoree has been incredible to work with. They are "champions" in every way.
The three-day weekend includes some of the best entertainment. Last year Hall & Oats performed
at the welcome party. This year Legendary Hall of Fame Drummer, Butch Trucks is leading our
"Champion of Children Celebrity All-Star Band" who will perform on November 11th.
Comedian Michael Finney will be Master of Ceremonies.
The Champion of Children Award Gala will take place at Donald Trumps Mar-a-Lago Club.
Mrs. Eunice Kennedy Shriver will be honored along with a local Champion of Children who will
remain a surprise until that evening.
The evening includes a VIP Photo Session with the Honorees, Cocktails, Dinner and an exclusive
performance by Florida's own KC & The Sunshine Band. More than 30 celebrities from all over the
country are expected to attend again this year. For the third year Varga Art Crystal has been commissioned
to craft the Champion of Children Award. It's President, Ildiko Varga is not only on the Board of
the foundation but is chairing this year's Ladies Day.
Trump International Golf Club is the setting for the third and final day of the Champion of Children Weekend.
While the gentlemen are golfing on Mr. Trumps newest course, the ladies will enjoy a spectacular
day in Palm Beach.
Corporate Incentive
Because of the uniqueness of this event, it has become a perfect incentive package for
companies wishing to reward their top performers.
Why not reward your best executives with an incredible weekend in Palm Beach, three exciting
days of activities that both husband and wife can participate in. A corporate meeting planner could
not possibly duplicate this package.
Before booking your next corporate incentive trip, consider supporting this event.
Not only is it unique in every way, it supports some great children's charities.
The best part of the Champion of Children Gala is the fact that the proceeds benefit children's charities.
The Pheonix Foundation for Children in committed to "making a difference in the lives of children."
We are dedicated to helping the community we live in by helping our children.
"Our children are our most precious resource. Our belief is that if we invest in them, our world
will be a better place." Thomas Abrams, Founder
For additional information about this year's Champions of Children Award Gala contact:
Maria Ornelas Executive Director
The Pheonix Foundation for Children
2090 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd. Suite 700
West Palm Beach FL 33409
(561) 640-5898
The Pheonix Foundation for Children Inc.
is a non-profit charitable organization under Section 501(c)3.
All donations to this organization are tax-deductible to the extent provided by law.
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May 5 2000