The statistics of our 9.30.25 event sure are impressive!

• Recognized three honorees leading the way in clinical research, advocacy, legislation,

and community outreach.

• Welcomed our first HERO sponsor, Bristol Myers Squibb, setting an inspiring example

of corporate engagement and leadership.

• Celebrated the support of 34 incredible sponsors, raising critical funds to help children

and families who might otherwise be left behind following nationwide cuts in mental

health services.

• Gathered over 100 attendees united by a shared purpose — to raise awareness, raise

funds, and make an impact for children’s mental health.

• Received surprise citations from Senator Van Hollen, recognizing the outstanding

work of our local champions and reinforcing the importance of our shared mission.

• Added six new Champions for Children members.

Meet the 2025 Grantees

We invite you to join us on September 17 for a special book signing and luncheon with Isabelle Hau, author of Love to Learn: The Transformative Power of Care and Connection in Early Education, in conversation with APCO’s Paul Johnson.

Love to Learn paints a vision of learning rooted in connection—where empathy, creativity, and care are at the heart of unlocking every child’s potential. It’s a powerful reminder of why we do this work and why children’s mental health and well-being matter so deeply.

This intimate gathering is the perfect lead-in to our September 30 Champions for Children Celebration—an evening when we will honor leaders, lift up our grantees, and spotlight the many ways we can champion children together.

On July 17, 2025, Champions for Children hosted Nurturing Minds: Parents as Pillars of Children’s Mental Health at TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm in Potomac, MD. This engaging discussion brought together three inspiring voices in the field of children’s mental health to explore the powerful role parents and caregivers play in fostering resilience and emotional well-being in children.

Panelists included:

• Dr. Emily Aron, a child and adolescent psychiatrist and Associate Professor at Georgetown University Medical Center, who leads the Early Childhood Mental Health Program at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and focuses on early intervention and parent-child relationships.

• Dr. Abigail Romirowsky, a clinical psychologist and founder of Perspective Health DC, specializing in child, teen, and family therapy with a developmental and nature-informed approach.

• Claire Noakes, a practicing attorney and the President of the Arlington County Council of PTAs, the umbrella organization that supports 35 local PTAs. In 2025, she received the APS Honored Citizen Award for her years of advocacy and public campaigns on behalf of Arlington youth, and she serves on numerous Arlington County advisory commissions.

Following the panel, guests enjoyed networking and refreshments while connecting with community members and advocates.

Event Highlights

Shopping, sipping, and supporting mental health services for our children – now that’s what we call Galentine’s Day! Join us – we’ve found the fun!

• On February 15, 2025 - 10% of all in-store and phone sales go to Champions for Children

• February 15 from 3-5pm at the Tuckernuck store in Georgetown

• Private CFC members-only event – members bring a guest!  

• Refreshments and a fun time provided

The newly renovated Tuckernuck store is holding a special and super FUN event for Champions for Children’s members and their guest. Shop any time during the day in store or call to place your order. Together we are supporting our vision of a world where every child has access to the resources they need to grow, learn and thrive.

Donations go to the Following Organizations

For more information, submit the form below:

Stepping up for Children’s Mental Health Walk and Education Series Event

We are thrilled to share the success of our Spring Walk event! A special shoutout to Jenna Borrelli for her invaluable insights into prioritizing children's mental health within schools.  It's inspiring to see our community come together to elevate the conversation around holistic student well-being. Let's continue championing initiatives that support both academic growth and emotional resilience in our schools.

Many thanks to our generous sponsor, Women in Healthcare - Maryland Chapter - for supporting the Spring Walk! You can learn more about Women in Healthcare via their website, https://maryland.womeninhealthcare.org/

The New Year got off to a great start with our successful membership drive.  One of the benefits of membership in Champions for Children, is the opportunity to network in different settings with wonderful women to build relationships and make connections for friendship and mutual support. We already have examples of how our connections are supporting members professionally.  

Join us on Wednesday, February 21 for our first member networking event.  If you were with us at our fall education event, you know that this is an organization of women who are a great resource, supporters and friends.  We will be gathering to network from 4:30pm - 6:30pm for a happy hour at Cooper's Hawk in Rockville.  Feel free to bring a friend since every gathering as an opportunity to build our base.  

The Champions for Children will sponsor this networking event so there is no fee.  However, we do need a total count of guests, so please RSVP to lcarbone@lynnecarbone.com to let us know if you are coming and if you will bring a guest or guests.

Champions for Children hosted an educational event on November 30th focusing on “Social Wellness for the Social Media Generation: Helping Kids Thrive in a Hyper-Connected World.” Guest speakers included Dr. Claire Boogaard (Children’s National/HSCSN), Dr. Marissa Leslie (Compass Health), Congressman Jamie Raskin (MD-8), and was generously sponsored by M&T Bank.  Through their support of the Lourie Center for Children's Social and Emotional Wellbeing, 40 individual clinical sessions for children and families will be provided .