(Press Release) On Friday evening, the U.S. Fund for UNICEF hosted the 2nd annual Children’s First: An Evening with UNICEF gala at Sixty Five Hundred in Dallas, Texas, which raised funds to support UNICEF’s mission to save and improve children’s lives. The event honored actress Alyssa Milano with the Spirit of Compassion Award for her work in support of children throughout 13 years as a UNICEF Ambassador. “I’m truly grateful to be part of this special family making a difference for our world’s children. I say family, because to me, that’s what UNICEF is: a global family... Becoming a mother has only intensified the pride I feel for this organization. No parent should ever have to go through the pain and suffering of losing their child to preventable causes. I hope that my dedication to UNICEF one day inspires my own children to take action and live a life that focuses on giving.” said Alyssa Milano. Pier 1 Imports also received the UNICEF Children First Award, accepted by President and CEO Alex W. Smith, for their 31-year commitment to raising funds and awareness for the organization, while Sterling McDavid, UNICEF Next Generation National Development Committee Chair, was presented with the inaugural NextGen Champion for Children Award, for her dedication to helping children globally. Over the course of the evening, guests enjoyed a performance by country singer Sara Evans, a seated dinner and a live auction presented by Louis Murad. More than 330 guests attended the gala hosted by Nancy C. and Richard R. Rogers raising over $730,000 in support of UNICEF’s work. Notable attendees included actress Naomie Harris, event Co-Chairs Joyce Goss and Jessica Nowitzki with Dallas Chair, Let us Learn’s Serena Simmons Connelly as well as leadership committee members Catie Enrico, Sheryl Maas, Selwyn Rayzor, Leigh Rinearson, Gowri Sharma and D’Andra Simmons.
Photo: U.S. Fund for UNICEF Co-Chair/Southwest Regional Board Vice Chair Joyce Goss, UNICEF Co-Chair Jessica Nowitzki, UNICEF Ambassador and recipient of the 'Spirit of Compassion' award Alyssa Milano and U.S. Fund for UNICEF Southwest Regional Board Chair Selwyn Rayzor at the Children First. An Evening With UNICEF on April 15, 2016 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images for U.S. Fund for UNICEF)
