30 years and counting!

September 2013

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The 30th Anniversary of Action for Children NC is upon us: September 7, 2013 is the actual date of origin, which will be celebrated on November 6, from 6-8pm at the North Carolina Museum of History.

It will reconnect former Board members, leaders, and advocates for children as we launch our future efforts to improve the health, safety, economic security  and education of our children.  The future is theirs; we strive to give them the best preparation possible.

Join us as we recognize the great work of individuals whose outstanding dedication and commitment to child advocacy have made North Carolina a better place to be and raise a child. The 2013 Shining Star Award winners are:

Senator Linda Garrou retired after serving seven terms in the North Carolina Senate representing the people of Forsyth County. During her service in the North Carolina General Assembly, Senator Garrou worked to promote critical investments in K-12 education, child care, health insurance for children of working families and financial aid for higher education. Senator Garrou served as the Guardian Ad Litem Administrator for Winston-Salem, and was the founding board chair of the North Carolina Child Advocacy Institute, now known as Action for Children North Carolina.

Doris Mack is executive director of Families Supporting Families of Halifax County, a system of care network designed to strengthen families with children who have mental, emotional and behavioral needs. A lifelong educator and committed advocate for children in Halifax, Mrs. Mack provides academic and cultural enrichment opportunities to students year-round promoting art, drama, dance and academic excellence. Mrs. Mack has also served as chairwoman for various groups such as the Halifax County Schools Adolescent Health Council, the Littleton/Lake Gaston Festival and the Halifax County Human Relations Commission.

Senator William R. Purcell, MD is a retired pediatrician who served in the North Carolina General Assembly for 15 years. Before serving in the legislature, Dr. wordpress buy domain Purcell was mayor of Laurinburg, North Carolina. A respected medical leader, Dr. Purcell has sponsored multiple public policy initiatives that have improved the health and safety of children and youth in North Carolina including: universal vaccines, child nutrition standards in North Carolina schools, eliminating second-hand smoke in bars and restaurants, age limitations for ATV operators and the bicycle helmet law.

John and Claire Tate have been a “dynamic duo” dedicated to improving the lives of children in Mecklenburg County and the state for more than three decades. While pursuing a career as a banker, Mr. Tate has found time to serve on numerous education leadership groups, including Communities in Schools, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education and currently the State Board of Education. Mrs. Tate was instrumental in beginning the Lakewood Preschool Cooperative and Larry King’s Clubhouse, is past Chair of the North Carolina Child Care Commission and is currently serving in her 14th year as a member of the board of directors of the Charlotte Bilingual Preschool. Mrs. Tate has recently retired as Executive Director of Partners in Out-of-School Time