February 27th, 2013
Newtown Kindness Announces Top Award Winners of the First Annual Charlotte Bacon Act of Kindness Awards
Newtown, CT, February 27, 2013 – The newly formed Newtown Kindness organization announces the First Annual Charlotte Bacon Act of Kindness Awards.
The organization and program were founded in memory of Charlotte Bacon, a victim of the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy. It was established to foster a kindness mindset in children. The Charlotte Bacon Act of Kindness Awards recognize special kids who complete acts of kindness, then write in or draw pictures that are sent to the organization to tell the story.
The program has seen participation from thousands of children around the world in just 8 short weeks. All children will be recognized in some fashion, but the top award winners were announced on Charlotte Bacon’s birthday, February 22nd, during an emotional but amazing event at ‘Healing Newtown’ in Newtown, CT. The leaders of kindness include:
The Cousins That Care, 7 kids up to age 14 led by Melanie Levi, Inlet, NY ~ They have fundraising process of $26,000 over a 4 year period benefiting people in need. From Newtown Kindness, they are receiving $1,000 in pay-it-forward charity donations from Johnson Charitable Gift Fund. Also, a Boston stay with two hotel rooms at the Boston Millenium Hotel plus local activities and a $400 Visa Gift Card for spending money.
Sara Casey, 6, North Baltimore, OH ~ She led her class through a kindness lesson and they made a kindness quilt. From Newtown Kindness, she will receive a trip to Philadelphia for a Phillies game and an on-field experience during batting practice. Also, a $100 donation to the charity of her choice.
Sonali and Mano Ranaweera, 12 & 15, San Jose, CA ~ Recycling4Smiles: They collect recyclables to pay for Cleft Lip surgeries. Their 2013 goal is $5,000 to pay for surgeries in honor of the 20 child victims of Sandy Hook. Also, they are working on supporting the needy in Sri Lanka. From Newtown Kindness, they will receive an all-expense paid weekend sports package to Portland to see the Trailblazers and Timbers. Also, they are receiving a $250 donation to the charity of choice.
Ariana Pensy, 8, Janesville, WI ~ A heartwarming story about helping a classmate and ‘filling someone’s bucket’. From Newtown Kindness, she will receive a dinner outing with the amazing J.J. Watt from the Houston Texans! Also, she will receive a $100 Visa Gift card for spending money. Last, she will get a $100 donation to the charity of her choice.
Marcus and Andreas Josaitas, 8 & 10, Cardiff, CA ~ A family living on limited means but they have a ‘give envelope’ and raise money for others. This year they donated to an animal shelter in honor of Catherine Hubbard after raising money through home-made Christmas card sales. From Newtown Kindness, they will receive all-expenses paid 2 night trip to Houston to see our partners and favorite organization, the Houston Dynamo! Also, they will receive a $100 donation to the charity of choice.
Alyson Oleyar and Laura Crowley, 7, Monroe, CT ~ Two friends who raised over $500 for the Wounded Warriors Project through an event they called the ‘Cool Carnival’ because ‘cool kids care’. Also, they are working on a project to make journals for all of the Sandy Hook Elementary School children. From Newtown Kindness, they will receive a night out on Broadway in NYC with a $100 Visa Gift card for spending money. Also, they will receive a $100 donation to the charity of their choice.
Caren Ulcak, 10, Austin, TX ~ This young girl is the kindest heart in Texas, as nominated by her teacher. She is a daily kindness leader including performing at Children’s hospitals. In a quote from her teacher, Caren “swoops in to help others and then seemingly disappears again. Like a superhero.” From Newtown Kindness, she will receive all-expenses paid 2 night trip to CA to see a World Champion LA Kings game! Also, she will receive a $100 donation to the charity of her choice.
Natalie Horn 10, Lindsay Dievert 11, Shannon Jackman 11, Newtown, CT ~ These girls created the ‘Charlotte Bacon Chain of Love’ which encourages spreading love and paying it forward. They have influenced hundreds of people and have a reach throughout many countries. They are much like a smaller version of Newtown Kindness. From Newtown Kindness, they will receive a weekend trip to Seaside Heights, NJ with a $200 Visa Gift Card for spending money. Also, they will receive a $100 donation to the charity of their choice.
“The habits of good deeds, especially developed in children, will have an immensely powerful and positive influence in our future generations.” says Charlotte’s father, Joel Bacon.
Newtown Kindness will recognize all participants and publish honorable mention winners shortly. The organization will also look to continue to build on the momentum of kindness through other programs and facilitating additional acts of kindness of their own.
For updated news on Newtown Kindness, visit:
chbfoundation.wpengine.com or www.facebook.com/NewtownKindness.org
Media Contact: Aaron Carlson, newtownkindness@yahoo.com, 203-461-1055