Advocating for Children

I’m Feeling Especially Proud of 4C Staff and Volunteers

February 1, 2012 at 9:58 pm 4cforchildren Leave a comment

Most of my blogs are specifically about public policy issues, but I want to take a quick moment to “brag on” 4C volunteers and staff. In the past week, 4C for Children was given a great honor to be named the overall winner of the ONE Award. ONE stands for Organizations of Noteworthy Excellence. The award recognizes business best practices among tax-exempt charitable organizations in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.

This year, 15 organizations submitted applications and six met criteria for at least one of the three categories (people, principles, process). 4C was the only organization to be recognized in all categories. The ONE Award is based on the Malcolm Baldrige Performance Excellence Award, given at a national level for businesses that meet a rigorous set of standards. The process includes review by a team of trained examiners.

This was the first time 4C submitted an application, although I must say that we have been working for a number of years to increase our use of data to improve all aspects of our services and impact.  The kudos for this recognition are due entirely to the high expectations and diligence of the 4C staff – 70 strong.

We were most honored to be in the company of other terrific organizations that make a huge impact in our region. One of the greatest things is that all the winners this year serve children. The other honorees are:

• Assistance League of Greater Cincinnati
• Cincinnati Union Bethel
• Redwood
• Society of St. Vincent DePaul
• The Children’s Home of Cincinnati

The other highlight of the year (so far—and it is only the end of January) was the very successful Champions for Children gala held on Saturday January 28. Nearly 350 people, dressed in their finery, cheered our champions Senator Eric Kearney, Digi Schueler and Toyota, as well as Champs: The Next Gen – Kenton County Schools’ Hanner’s Heroes. Hundreds stayed to dance the night away. Generous sponsors and friends made the evening a big financial success. One corporate leader, who has been to hundreds of benefits, declared this event to be in her all-time top 10.  (I had fun too!) In this case, the kudos go to our volunteer committee chaired by Marla Fuller and Tori Ames, and to Karen Hurley, 4C’s VP of Development.

I wonder what other great things 2012 has to offer.

Entry filed under: Early Care and Education Leaders, General. Tags: st vincent depaul.