Robert F. Kennedy Children’s Actions Corps 27th Annual Embracing the Legacy Awards Dinner June 10, 2009

For 40th anniversary, Robert F. Kennedy Children’s Action Corps
honors Boston leaders with Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, John Seigenthaler

BOSTON — Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, daughter of Robert F. Kennedy, and John Seigenthaler, founder of the First Amendment Center and an advisor to the late Senator, will headline the 40th anniversary celebration of Robert F. Kennedy Children’s Action Corps.

Some 300 guests are expected at the June 10th Robert F. Kennedy Children’s Action Corps’ Embracing the Legacy Event. Kennedy Townsend will speak about her father’s legacy and principals and introduce Seigenthaler, the keynote speaker. Seigenthaler served in the U.S. Justice Department as an administrative assistant to RFK and was an advisor to the late Senator’s presidential campaign. He was the founding editorial director of USA Today and founder of the First Amendment Center, which works to preserve and protect First Amendment freedoms through education and information.

In addition, the Robert F. Kennedy Children’s Action Corps will present the Embracing the Legacy Award to members of the Greater Boston community who have made incredible contributions and lifelong commitments to youth advocacy, child welfare and juvenile justice.

This year’s Embracing the Legacy honorees are:
Daren Chentow, wife of Blue Cross Blue Shield CEO Cleve Killingsworth, volunteers as a mentor to young women who are committed to the state through court-ordered programs. Chentow’s approach is about giving the girls a voice and teaching them about politics, art, culture and other creative outlets through which they can express themselves.
Mel King is an educator, youth worker, and activist who served for 10 years in the State House of Representatives. He is the founder and director of the South End Technology Center, which provides free technology education to children, teens and adults.
Bob Watson, president and CEO of LPM Holding Co., has used his business to launch a charitable foundation that has given more than $1 million to support youth programs in Massachusetts. Watson is a blood platelet donor at Children’s Hospital, and has made 700 platelet donations benefiting the health of some 1,500 children.
Youth Advocacy Project (YAP) is a Boston nonprofit that works to protect and advance the legal and human rights of children. YAP ensures children have access to legal representation, essential community-based services, and quality education.

“By taking action to help improve the lives of some of the state’s most underserved population, all of our award winners have followed the message and ideals of Robert F. Kennedy,” said Ed Kelley, president and CEO of Robert F. Kennedy Children’s Action Corps. “The agency was founded on RFK’s belief that society has a responsibility to all of its members, and that lasting contributions are first made by improving the lives of children and their families. It is very rewarding to see leaders in Boston identifying with and promoting this vision to benefit today’s children.”

The Robert F. Kennedy Children’s Actions Corps 27th Annual Embracing the Legacy Awards Dinner celebrates the legacy of Robert F. Kennedy and the child welfare and advocacy work of the organization named in his honor. Through the dinner, the Robert F. Kennedy Children’s Actions Corps raises money support its programs for underserved youth. The agency is a leader in children’s welfare, juvenile justice, advocacy and treatment for children and families in Massachusetts. The event will be held at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, June 10 at the JFK Presidential Library & Museum, Columbia Point, Boston. Tickets are $200. For tickets, or more information, call (617) 227-4183 or visit www.rfkchildren.org.

Official Website: http://www.rfkchildren.org