4C for Children is rolling out the red carpet for four local Champions for Children to honor for their support and commitment to earlychildhood learning and development at the 2024 Champions Gala. The gala, presented by PNC Bank, will be held on Saturday, Nov. 9 at the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza.
Let’s meet the Champions who will be honored as we dine, dance and make a difference.
Kristina Campbell is a recent graduate of the 4C for Children Child Care Careers Program and is currently working at a Southwest Ohio child care center. Although she graduated from high school in her native Jamaica, Kristina had to take the extra step of earning her high school diploma again in the United States in order to launch her career in child care. The mother of four is also working on her Childhood Development Associate with support from 4C for Children.
Loren Long is a nationally celebrated illustrator and children’s book author. He is the illustrator of both New York Times bestsellers the illustrator of Of Thee I Sing by former President Barack Obama and Change Sings by Amanda Gorman. He is also the author and illustrator of the Otis series of children’s books. His most recent book, The Yellow Bus, was released in June.
Susan Storer is a longtime donor, community volunteer and advocate of early childhood education at bothstate and local levels. As a former executive at Macy’s, she believes when it comes to investing in education from ages 0 to 5, it just makes sense. In addition to being a partner of 4C for Children, Susan has served on committees for United Way of Greater Cincinnati’s Women Investing in the Next Generation (WINGS) and Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY USA).
Josie Watson is a family child care owner and administrator. She received a 3-star (now recognized as a Silver level) Step Up To Quality rating for her program within two years of opening in 2022. Her family chose to move out of her home soon after her program opened when a routine blood test for her 1-year-old daughter came back with elevated levels of lead. She is now a community leader and educator about lead abatement.
“I’m looking forward to celebrating the 2024 Champions who come from every corner of early childhood education,” said Vanessa Freytag, president/CEO of 4C for Children. “These passionate and hardworking individuals are inspirational, and what’s more they represent just a small segment of all the amazing individuals who educate and care for children.”
We are also excited to announce that PNC Bank is once again serving as the presenting sponsor for this year’s Gala. PNC is also generously donating an opportunity to bid on throwing out an opening pitch for a 2025 Cincinnati Reds baseball game.
Freytag expressed gratitude to PNC for once again sponsoring the Gala. “PNC has been and continues to be a longtime supporter of 4C for Children and our mission—and has a strong commitment to advocating for and investing in high-quality early education and care in our community.”
The 2024 Champions Gala will begin at 6 p.m. with a cocktail reception followed by a gourmet dinner, presentation of the honorees, live auction and after-party. Attendees will enjoy the opportunity to bid on once-in-a-lifetime opportunities and dance the night away to live music and other festivities.
