Event History  See "Milestones" for event details 2000 event Results - Dec. 1st   Brief Highlights from past years to fight child abuse 1999 History - On December 1, 1999 radio stations all around the U.S. as well as some foreign stations donated air time to run PSAs and tell others about Day of the Child. Thanks to all the supportive people of radio who were there for the hurting children. In addition, for the first time, we had a large group of national ambassadors, spread out across the country, who were busy meeting and speaking with people in their local towns and cities. In some cities our new "Operation Bear-Hug" was initiated sparking the idea for year 2000 national event. Special thanks to each of our ambassadors who have worked so hard to help the children. A FEW HIGHLIGHTS '99 event Results - Dec. 1st Please bookmark this page and return. A NOTE TO ALL WHO SERVED & CARED in '99: What an INCREDIBLE DAY it was here. You were on my mind all day long as we sang, laughed, danced, cried and listened to the gracefilled hand of God as it gently brushed the earth today in unique new colors. Thank you for everything. The tired and tearful eyes, the extra mile, the extra email you didn't have to send but really wanted to; to do everything possible. For toting teddy bears across your town to little awaiting hands; for that radio or news interview that made your hands sweat and breath shake; for the soft touch or word you shared with someone along the way; for the prayers which were called out from your pillow; for begging DJs to play the song; to handle the rejection when some did not see our vision in the same way; for bearing ignored requests; for focusing on "Yes" instead of "No"; for celebrating and sharing the joy of the exciting moments; for crying together and lifting up each other when those disappointments came; for uniting as an awesome Team despite the odds; for loving these little hurting children like no one else on earth; selflessly. For to serve and sacrifice for others becomes the ultimate reward... On December 1st HISTORY was made for hurting hearts across our nation. A loving Day of the Child happened because of you (see below). While angels flew to the side of victims by the thousands, causing needed freedom, happy laughter and giggles... abusers came down with inexplainable backaches, bunions, flat tires, colds and shame. While survivors found new strength and healing in solidarity as we united together in love for one another... if only for a moment... or for a new beginning. Richard Klender, founder, Day of the Child national office  Scroll down for various State results Here are a few of the many stations which are participating/reporting in with us: Our heartfelt thanks go out to you for supporting the hurting children: THE HEART OF RADIO KMIX (KGMX) 106.3, High Desert Broadcasting etc. So. CA, David Grant WNJL Smooth Jazz 99.7 NJ KXAA KZPH KYSN KWWW KPLZ KVI KB-101 Radio MN KMON KWIP KWWX (Spanish) Good News Radio, KSGN 89.7 FM KNFT-FM MN KPSM (K-99.3 FM) Christian Radio KSCS WBAP KSKY KUKU Oldies 100 Radio WIAI KMBR MT KXTL MT KAAR MT KAAK MT KXGF MT KQDI MT KMSL KYYA Y93 FM KCMT KBLG WPKR WIXX WGEE WZOC WTCA-AM WKLU Kool Radio 101 WWOJ WRUF WWLL 105.7 WBKZ WCBC WISL WWBE WHLM WYGL WLGL WSNN WPDM WOLF WBLS FM WLIB NY WOBM NJ WXCI CT WXCI NJ WZDQ TN WFGZ Froggy 94 TN KZOQ MT KGGL-EAGLE MT KGRZ MT KZOQ MT KYLT MT KXDR MT WPOC Baltimore WZZS FL   THE WALL - Hundreds of new names were added to The Wall on December 1st alone. We now have over 5000 names and stories to share with the World.   States Reporting In D/C still coming in   IDAHO - Boise On Wednesday I had an interview on the local NBC morning news show to let the community know what the vigil is about. The radio stations in our area participated by helping us promote the Vigil that would be taking place that night (Dec 1st). At Boise State University I passed out folders with information about local non-profit orgs that deal with child abuse and information about the Health and Welfare for our state, sold the Day of the Child T-shirts that were sponsored by local businesses, and disbursed mint green ribbons. The vigil was Amazing! Local high school students set up cardboard cut outs of children from local day cares on the Capitol steps. Great Visual effect! The 1st Lady of Idaho spoke at the Vigil as well as two experts in the field of Child Abuse; David Ernat- director of Lutheran Social Services & Kim Batt-Lincoln- director of SANE Solutions to Physical and Sexual Abuse. Jim Everett the CEO of the YMCA spoke about the community aspect of this crime. I read the Teddy Bear poem by Cindy Pike Dunning and then asked everyone to "raise their lights and take a moment of silence for all victims and survivors as well as to the ultimate goal- TO END CHILD ABUSE. A CRIME THAT CAN BE STOPPED!" Then challenged everyone to bring 2 people with them next year. This is the first of a multi year campaign, and it is going to get bigger and bigger.At the Vigil we had a really good turn out for our area, for the 1st year. We were on the news and a photographer from the Idaho Statesman was there too. We sold more shirts and glowsticks, there were no candles allowed on the Capitol grounds so we used this as an alternative.   I am so thrilled to be a part of this team. I know you all saw it too, it was a lot of hard work, sleepless nights, tears, and tons of prayers! When people were giving me their #s to get involved for next year and asking for the poem and then the wonderful words from a Survivor thanking me this morning, I would do it all over in a heartbeat! It was so fun and challenging at the same time & the fulfillment in my heart is incredible. How can you describe this feeling to anyone other than Absolutely Awesome! Just knowing that you can help, educate, raise awareness and yet you don't have to be an expert. Just have the passion and desire to help and make a difference for our children. Also to show those higher, the law makers & court system will see that we stand united and the laws have got to change towards perpetrators. WE need to enforce stiffer penalties! God Bless All Children! Semone Schultz, Boise Idaho ---- IDAHO - Coeur d'Alene Day of the Child went well here in Coeur d'Alene. I passed out information and ribbons to students on the North Idaho College Campus while in the Student Union for an hour today and wore my T-shirt with pride! The response with the students was wonderful. I referred many people to Children's Village for further information. I feel that it can be an even bigger event next year! Thank you so much for all your support and I wish I would have had time to do more.   Jamie Morgan, Ambassador, Coeur d'Alene ID   TEXAS - ABILENE I was able to get the simulcast done on three stations here in Abilene, Texas along with a live interview on each station this morning. I will be directing the Boys and Girls Club choir at 4:30 this afternoon (Dec 1st) in their first Christmas performance in honor of Day of the Child. The stations that I am aware of that did the simulcast are: 98.1, 103.7, and 99.7. Thanks for letting me be a part of this. LATER in day... We just finished the Choir performance at First National Bank with about 50 kids. NBC News was there and videoed the kids singing. Afterward we did an interview about Day of the Child. This will air tonight at 6 and 10 p.m. central standard time. What a great day!!! Melanie Copeland, Ambassador - ABILENE TX   ----   NEBRASKA UPDATE Good Morning from a very chilly Nebraska   The Proclamation was signed for the state of Nebraska on November 3, 1999. Hartley Chorus sang a song for the governor, first time any school chorus has sang personally for the Governor. (And the kids, were great, they never sounded better, not bad for 4th and 5th graders), they are still talking about how they got to shake hands with the Governor.   NEBRASKA BEAR DONATIONS Local Drs. donated 25 bears Southeast High School Choir, are up to 85 total bears to date. Willard Soriority of Wesleyan College has donated 80 bears friends and family 50 bears November 11th Skating party, 42 bears November 17th, Fun night at Hartley school, bring a bear and receive a spaghetti dinner, or hot dog and chips Doane College in Crete (Evamarie's College) will be sitting up barrals, for donations of "Huggies" (estimates of around 80 bears) Famous Amos Andy Cookie, man stopped in Lincoln and visited the elementary schools on Friday, and donated 100.00 for the cause(plus a case of cookies)(Hey we have to have something to keep our energy level up right?) >From the Hugs and Kisses organization, we have a commitment of 100 bears(this morning she called back and asked if we could use 150 instead) Of course I Said YES At the Nebraska Kansas Football Game on Saturday the Marines were taking donations - could give us somewhere between 50-75 bears. so for the grand total so far we have 587 bears (with 15 days to go), plus money donations to buy more bears with. not bad, considering my original goal was 250 bears. Teena, Ambassador Nebraska   NEW JERSEY UPDATE Candlelight vigils will be held this evening in Ocean County (on December 1st) at the following locations:   *Brick Town - 7:30 Brick High School Auditorium Chambers Bridge Road Brick, NJ 08723 Guest Speaker - Mayor J. Scarpelli Guest Speaker - Counselor from Providence House Guest Speaker - Harbor House   Call Venus Hunter (732) 942-4222 or Dina Mulleano (732) 942-4320 for further details   Teddy bears are being collected for hurting children and can be brought to the vigil for drop off that night *St. Francis Church Long Beach Island, NJ   Call St. Francis Center (609) 494-1554 for further details   See a PHOTO of some of the bears and cuddlies we collected for the kids   Toms River - 7:30 location TBA Guest Speaker - Mayor Fox St. Joseph's Grade & High School Choirs Guest Speaker - St. Francis Center Guest Speaker - Empathy Foundation   REACHING TEDDY BEAR GOAL OF 1000 1600 in NJ Teddy bears are being collected for hurting children and can be brought to the vigil for drop off that night I can't believe this!!!! On Sunday my co-worker was here and we sorted 300 bears and that didn't include tiny bears because they are really small and we don't know what the agencies are going to do with them. This morning she called me up to tell me that she got a message on her voice mail that one of the high school key clubs had collected 600 teddy bears. I called this woman to thank her tonight and she told me the total is now up to 700!!!!! I thanked her so much and asked her where they came from and she said that they collected almost 500 from the beginning and they came from the teachers and the high school students collecting them. I told her that the drive would be on until the end of December and she said that she'll keep going. This is one high school and the other high school is decorating the town hall building.  LATEST NJ UPDATE: 1800+ bears donated. WOW. Elsa, Ambassador NJ -----   MISSISSIPPI OK now for update here. Heileg Meyers in Pearl, MS, and Gray Daniels Ford in Brandon, MS, allowed me to set up a box and table with information in their offices!!! I am looking for two other locations. WE are hiring a clown and set up something in front of the Target store with their permission and we will be having free face painting for the kids. At this little event we will be collecting teddy bears. And to get the public to be more aware of this and to push the issue of donating a TEDDY we are going to hold a drawing for a Ty Beanie. Anyone who gives a bear can put their name into the drawing. The beanie will be in it's own case with a tag protector.   I faxed all the radio stations in the Jackson area. Begged them to announce Operation BearHug and what it means, telling them where people can drop off the bears (a great way to get the word out to local citizens). I called the locations and they are all for helping me get the radio stations to publicly announce this!!!!!!! So, now fingers crossed again and more praying that the DJs are announcing and bears will start pouring in. I will continue my efforts through December to get those bears. And pray I will have them to deliver to the children by Christmas.   To all the ambassadors.....GREAT JOB!!!!   In my heart of hearts, my prayers went out to all the children and I made an effort to make sure people knew about Operation BearHug. This evening I was in a wonderful mood. I guess I would have to say that Angels were with me and brought a message that I did my best and I too could celebrate with all of you. So I danced in celebration with Shania Twains song ("Come on Over") :-) .   I also still have planned my Teddy Bear collection and the Ty Beanie Baby drawing. So am hoping that too will bring in even more bears.   Elsa, I would be happy to stay on the list and get a good head start on DOTC 2000. I know I got a late start this go around, but I now that I know more about DOTC we can make even better plans for next yea. My accomplishments for '99 have given me better hope for next year. And the children can definitely count on me. God Bless each of you   Kristie Cabunac, Ambassador, BRAXTON MS   -----   NEW YORK An Evening of Giving was a success!!!!!!!!!!!! Ticket sales were good. Many people came over and asked questions or took what P.A.R.E.N.T was creating more awareness. People liked the pens, and most took ribbins, even children asked what they were about and if they could have one. Pictures of the missing child were picked up in support. their children back, because of Parent.   I am already planning for next year. When u are there, u see how other people did things. So I am starting to put them altogether so next year will be even better. Picked upquite a few ideas that we can use next year.   Here's is something u may get a kick out of. I had my picture taken with Santa and I told him all I wanted for Christmas was for my kids to come home. When Santa was on is walk around breaks, he came over and asked me quite a lot of questions about abuse and what our organization did. Maybe we should all start believing in Santa or St. Nick, whatever u want to call him. I have a feeling that he may work hand in hand with God. I know I said it, but I can't wait for next year.   While I was there, I stopped in Sam Goody record store. I told the manager(when I finally got him) about Dear Mr.Jesus. He is going to get the CD and play Dear Mr. Jesus all throughout Christmas. He said to me when u are in the mall, and u hear the song, it would be him playing. I asked if he could play it once an hour.!!!!!!!!!!   If I think of anything else that I forgot, it will be on its way to u ASAP.   Eileen, Ambassador, P.A.R.E.N.T. organization - New York ---------------   NORTH CAROLINA: We're having a vigil on Wednesday evening, Karrie has been kind enough to volunteer to come and speak...thank you Karrie. I've already spoken to the principal at my daughters school about another Bear Hug around Valentines Day, so we'll see how that goes. The PSA's for OBH have brought in a ton of bears and the article in our local paper has too. I've handed out 1000 flyers for the vigil and have gotten full support from the Rotary Club, the sheriffs dept, the mayors office and Family and Children Svcs...so we'll have a good turn out. Oh, another Bear project, the mall in town has a program,..buy $175 worth of merchandise in the mall and get a free bear. They are asking customers to donate those bears to OBH...keeping my fingers crossed BUT the kicker is that the mall is also a client of the radio stations that have been doing the PSA's, so we're getting twice the coverage...cool. Anyhow, I've attached my CLV flyer and a letter that I wrote to go along with the bears on their journey to the children. Also, I made some mint green ribbons for the vigil and attached them to strips of paper with 'Children Live by What They Learn' and I've attached that as well. Still more happening as the day progresses.   Lily, NORTH CAROLINA Ambassador   ----------- GEORGIA   Here at the Family Support Council in Dalton, GA, we have done several things to prepare for "Day of the Child." We have been on both local cable TV stations talking about the event. We have gotten our local radio stations to participate in the playing of "Dear Mr. Jesus," on Dec. 1st and we have been on the radio talking about the event. We have gotten the mayor to issue a proclamation designating Dec.1st as "Day of the Child" in Dalton. We have written a letter to the editor of our local newspaper explaining to the community what "Day of the Child" is. And we have been collecting teddy bears for abused and neglected children. We believe our efforts have raised awareness of this problem, and people have been made more aware of how to report abuse, how to get help, and that the victims are not to blame. Thomas Bartley, GEORGIA ambassador ----- SO. CALIF First, know that prayers are going up for you and Day of the Child. Definitely see HIS hand on you & working thru you. MANY blessings. Secondly, know that the Ventura County Board of Supervisors HAVE officially declared Dec 1, 1999 as "Day of the Child" -- I've requested a copy of the documentation. Once received I will be sure and share with Family Violence Prevention Coalition, as well as you. Pamela Spencer, Ventura County, CA   ------- REPORT from P.A.R.E.N.T. organization FROM FLORIDA:   Today, several people will be talking with a campaign representive of Jeb and George Bush jr. regarding new legislation that will help the kids. We are trying to pass VIVIANS LAW in FLORIDA. The FLorida team is working on this today in rememberence of DAY OF THE CHILD.   FROM NEW YORK: Roosevelt Field shopping Mall. A music store has stocked "Please Mr. Jesus" and will be plaing it throughout the Day.   National News: P.A.R.E.N.T. is supporting Senator Charles Robb (VA) efforts to pass Nadia's Resoltuion. Nadia was kidnapped to the middle east. WE just recieved the wording of the resoltuion.   SENATE RESOLUTION 239--EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF THE SENATE THAT NADIA DEBBAGH, WHO WAS ABDUCTED FROM THE UNITED STATES, SHOULD BE RETURNED HOME TO HER MOTHER, MS. MAUREEN DABBAGH (Senate - November 19, 1999)   Email Us! © 2006 - 1998 Day of the Child