A children’s award has been added to Charleston Philanthropy Week November 12-November 18, 2012. Named the Wonderific Community Service Award, the award was created to shine a light on children in the community who are making a difference in the Charleston Tri-county area through volunteerism, fundraising efforts and community service. Online nominations will be accepted at http://www.cydc.org/wonderificaward from Tuesday, October 9, 2012 at 9:00am to Sunday, October 14, 2012 at 5:00pm. Finalists will be selected by a review panel and will be notified on Tuesday, October 16, 2012. The award will be presented on Tuesday, November 13, 2012. The Wonderific Community Service Award is presented by Baker Motor Company in association with The Coastal Community Foundation and Carolina Youth Development Center; and is sponsored by Wonder Works, The Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry, Charleston Place Hotel and Momentum Marketing.
The Nomination Criteria is as follows: 1) Community service must have taken place October 1, 2011 – September 30, 2012; 2) Child must be 18 years old or younger at time of service; 3) Nominator must present a clear demonstration of how a child initiated and followed through in community service – fundraising and/or volunteerism in any of the following areas: school, organization, church, neighborhood or club in 250 words or less; 4) Child must currently reside in the Charleston, SC Tri-County area of Charleston, Berkeley or Dorchester Counties.
Christine Osborne, owner of Wonder Works and award sponsor said, “This has been a dream of mine for a long time. To acknowledge these amazing, wonderful kids that have such a beautiful spirit and give so much. We’re so excited to be a part of this. Everyone involved has a passion for celebrating children that make a difference. We’re so grateful that leading Charleston businesses and nonprofit organizations came together to make this happen.”
Each finalist will receive four complimentary tickets to the Little Red Wagon Movie Premiere, a Hollywood style red carpet premiere at Regal Palmetto Grande Stadium located at 1319 Theatre Drive, Mt. Pleasant, SC on Friday, October 19, 2012 beginning at 6:00pm.
Child philanthropist Zach Bonner will welcome the finalists and introduce the movie. This is an invitation only event. Little Red Wagon is based on the true story about Zach Bonner and his journey to raise money and awareness for homeless children across America. The film was written by Patrick Sheane Duncan (Mr. Holland’s Opus, Courage Under Fire) and was directed by David Anspaugh (Hoosiers, Rudy). This independent film has already been awarded Heartland Film Festival’s “Truly Moving Picture” award. Scenes of the movie were filmed throughout Charleston in 2010. In theaters October 19 – October 25, Charleston is one of 10 cities to debut this inspiring movie.
On Tuesday, November 13, 2012 each finalist and his/her family will be invited to an awards presentation ceremony at The Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry located at 25 Ann Street in Charleston, SC from 6:00pm-7:30pm. Finalists will receive a certificate in recognition of their efforts and one child will receive the top award of the evening, the Wonderific Community Service Award. As part of Charleston Philanthropy Week, the Wonderific Community Service Award winner will be recognized at the Giving Back Awards Gala Friday, November 16, 2012 at Charleston Music Hall, 37 John Street in Charleston, SC.
To nominate a child for the Wonderific Community Service Award, visit http://www.cydc.org/wonderificaward by 5:00pm October 14, 2012.