First Star
June 3, 2006 - Pierce and Keely's
acceptance speech as they receive a Humanitarian Award from
First Star.
Pierce:
Thank you Steve and Peter Samuelson.
Good evening ladies and gentleman, and distinguished members
of First Star.
It’s a honor to be here tonight in your company and
in the company of all these remarkable children.
As some of you may know, Keely and I have devoted much
of our time to supporting women’s and children’s
issues as well as promoting environmental awareness and
animal advocacy.
Keely:
As a young journalist working for every major network I
was particularly moved by a story I produced in the early
90’s on the foster care system. I profiled a number
of children in crisis and learned the importance of mentoring
these young and impressionable boys and girls.
It compelled me to further educate myself and to take action.
I made it my mission to produce stories that addressed the
importance of children’s education, children’s
health and their environment, and children’s rights.
Along the way I met great mentors myself including Dr.
Jane Goodall, whose global Roots and Shoots program reaches
a network of nearly a million children in 96 countries.
Pierce:
I too have had my share of great mentors in the children’s
movement…
From Kofi Annan, Secretary General of the United Nations
to Maura Quinn, Director of Irish Unicef, from Marlo Thomas
and the wonderful staff of St. Jude’s Hospital to
his Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Keely and I both believe that the world we will leave to
our children should be a better one, and that one person
can and does make a difference.
I think everyone in this room has asked themselves the
question “what kind of difference do I want to make?”
Keely:
We all know that every child needs a strong foundation that
includes …
A good education, a safe community, a clean environment,
affordable healthcare,
And most importantly…
A loving caregiver to help them reach their full potential.
Pierce:
We must all play our part to improve the lives of children
everywhere because the future ultimately lies with the next
generation.
We humbly accept this Humanitarian Award…
Thank you.
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