A Record-setting $6.5 Million Raised in One Night as Dr. Stacie J. Stephenson is Honored as Childhelp's 2021 Woman of the World
Philanthropist and bestselling author joins Oprah Winfrey, Kathie Lee Gifford, Barbara Bush, Laura Bush, Nancy Reagan and Melani Walton in receiving prestigious award at 17th Annual Star-Studded Drive the Dream Gala benefitting the non-profit dedicated to the prevention and treatment of child abuse; Josh Groban and Flo Rida performed at event, which set a new fundraising record for the state
PHOENIX, May 18, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Childhelp, the non-profit organization dedicated to the prevention and treatment of child abuse, honored Dr. Stacie J. Stephenson with the prestigious Woman of the World award on Saturday, May 15 at the 17th Annual Drive the Dream Gala at the Arizona Biltmore Resort in Phoenix. "The VibrantDoc," philanthropist and author of the instant bestseller VIBRANT: A Groundbreaking Program to Get Energized, Own Your Health, and Glow (BenBella; Pub Date: March 23, 2021), joins Oprah, Kathie Lee Gifford, First Ladies Barbara Bush, Laura Bush, and Nancy Reagan, and most recently, Melani Walton, as recipient of this highly regarded honor. Dr. Stephenson and her husband Richard J Stephenson, founder and chairman of Cancer Treatments of America, are longtime supporters of the organization, and have served as chairs at both the 2017 Drive the Dream Gala as well as Childhelp's 60th Anniversary celebration in 2019. To further kick off this year's festivities, they arrived at the historic Arizona Biltmore Hotel, an official Phoenix Point of Pride, in a custom 1870 Barouche carriage formerly used in the 19th century by various royal families in Europe, including the Queen. The carriage was led by four horses: Liz, Andy, Harry and Ralf.
The event drew actors, musicians, and other celebrities in support of Childhelp's programs and services, which have benefitted 11 million children over more than 62 years. The star-studded gala was emceed by actress Melissa Peterman, included performances by Josh Groban and Flo Rida, and raised $6.5 Million for Childhelp's facilities and services, setting a new state record for fundraising in Arizona. Notable attendees included actor Dolph Lundgren, fashion designer Zang Toi, beloved Dancing with the Stars couple Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Peta Murgatroyd, singer Loren Allred, and Arizona Governor Doug Ducey.
"I'm truly honored to receive this award, particularly in light of the incredible, inspiring, and selfless women who've received it before me," said Dr. Stephenson. "My goal as Woman of the World is to use my voice to promote awareness of the serious issues surrounding child abuse and neglect, particularly as the COVID-19 pandemic has made it harder than ever for mandatory reporters to serve as a lifeline to children in need. Since the pandemic began, the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline has seen their incoming calls and texts increase by 46% from the year before. It's more important than ever to shine a light on the silent epidemic of child abuse and neglect, and it's a privilege and opportunity that I do not take for granted."
Childhelp is one of the oldest and largest child abuse prevention, intervention, and treatment organizations in the country and has helped over 11 million children. Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline, 1-800-4-A-CHILD, offers confidential crisis intervention, information, literature and referrals through call, text and online chat. It is staffed by degreed professional crisis counselors 24/7, who can provide assistance in more than 170 languages.
For more information about The VibrantDoc Dr. Stacie Stephenson, VIBRANT, and the Woman of the World Award, visit https://vibrantdoc.com. And for more information on the Stephensons' philanthropic efforts visit https://richardandstaciestephenson.com.
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About The VibrantDoc
"The Vibrant Doc" Dr. Stacie J. Stephenson is a recognized leader in functional medicine focused on integrative, regenerative, anti-aging, and natural medicine modalities. In addition to her functional medicine and anti-aging board certifications, she is a Certified Nutrition Specialist and Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine. As The VibrantDoc, Dr. Stephenson is dedicated to making integrative medicine concepts and optimal wellness accessible to all. She spent close to 15 years in private practice before she was named Chair of Functional Medicine at Cancer Treatment Centers of America. She is also a board member for the American Nutritional Association, an ambassador for the American Heart Association, and the Vice Chair of Gateway for Cancer Research, a non-profit organization dedicated to funding breakthrough cancer research and early stage clinical trials. The VibrantDoc has always championed a whole-person approach to disease prevention and healing, with an emphasis on healthy lifestyle, natural medicine, and personal empowerment.
About Childhelp
Founded by Sara O'Meara and Yvonne Fedderson in 1959, Childhelp® has brought the light of hope and healing into the lives of more than 11 million children as a leading national nonprofit organization dedicated to helping abused, neglected and at-risk children. Childhelp's programs and services include residential treatment services, children's advocacy centers, therapeutic foster care, group homes and child abuse prevention, education and training. The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline serves children and adults nationwide 24/7 through phone, text and online chat. For more information, visit www.childhelp.org and follow Childhelp at facebook.com/childhelp, Instagram.com/childhelp and twitter.com/childhelp.
Media Contact: Tony Forde
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SOURCE The VibrantDoc
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