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HONORING COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS:
2025 VOICES FOR CHILDREN HONOREES

As we continue to celebrate 25 years of advocacy, Voices for Children is excited to recognize individuals and organizations from the Brazos Valley who have made a lasting impact on our community through their time, talents, actions, and dedication. These honorees embody the spirit of service, bringing hope and support to children in foster care.

We will celebrate their contributions at a special reception on June 12, 2025. The evening will also feature our Give Back, Shine Bright raffle, with all proceeds supporting the mission of Voices for Children.

Give Back, Shine Bright: Raffle for a Cause

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In conjunction with the Honoree Reception, Voices for Children is hosting the 25th Anniversary Raffle. This year’s raffle features a chance to win a White Gold Single Cluster Diamond Pendant Necklace from our community partner, David Gardner’s Jewelry.

 

Each ticket purchased offers an opportunity to win the David Gardner Jeweler’s necklace (estimated value $3,950). All proceeds benefit Voices for Children. The drawing will be held during the Honoree Reception event on June 12, 2025. The winner does not need to be present to win.

 

Eligibility to Win: Each ticket purchased provides an opportunity to win. The odds of winning are 1 in 500. 

The prize is non-transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash.

 

Raffle tickets are $25 each. They are available to purchase through the Voices for Children office, from VFC staff and board members, or online.

 

Thank you for supporting Voices for Children!

Voices for Children 2025 Honorees

Champion for Children Award - Delores & Richard Crum

The Champion for Children Award is bestowed upon an individual or individuals who have had a significant financial impact on Voices for Children. These individuals show great commitment to advocating for children in the child welfare system through their outstanding efforts in service and support of Voices For Children.

Ronnie Jackson “Friends of Children” Award - First Presbyterian Church, Bryan

The Ronnie Jackson "Friends of Children" Award goes to an organization or individual that has shown particular devotion to the well-being of children through their support of Voices for Children and demonstrated by their commitment to service. This award was established in 2005 in honor of Ronnie Jackson, who was an active community volunteer who championed causes for children and the underprivileged. Ronnie served on the VFC Board of Directors and was active on the golf committee and volunteer recruitment committees. As a dedicated board member, he was present at meetings and contributed solutions, often volunteering to be part of the resolution. He was always advocating for those in need.

Ron and Judy Winn Foster Parents of the Year Award - Summer & Jeremy Palmer

In 2018, Judy and Ron Winn established the Foster Parents of the Year Award. This award recognizes foster parents who provide outstanding care for children in foster care on a daily basis. Recipients of this award are selected by the Voices For Children staff. 

Judy Winn was in our very first CASA training class in 2001 and served as a CASA until 2018, when she took a leave of absence after being diagnosed with cancer. Judy served 25 children on 11 cases before her passing on June 14, 2019. Ron actively supported Judy in her role as a CASA and continues to support the mission of Voices for Children. 

Bonnie Wikse Advocate of the Year Award - Alison Wilson

The Bonnie Wikse Advocate of the Year Award recognizes a CASA volunteer who the Voices for Children staff believes is an excellent representation of what a CASA should look like. This award is named for the late Bonnie Wikse, one of Voices For Children’s dedicated advocates. Bonnie became a CASA volunteer in 2008 and served in the role until 2014. During her time as a CASA, Bonnie served four children on three separate cases and made a positive impact on each child she served.

Judge John Delaney Distinguished Service Award

The Distinguished Service Award goes to an individual who is a true representation of the heart of Voices for Children. The honoree of this award has displayed great dedication to improving the lives of children in the child welfare system through many years of tireless service. This award does not have to be annual, but should only be given when seen fit.

Past Award Recipients

Champion for Children Award

2005 - Candy Rust

2006 - Judge Van Stovall

2007 - Jacque Flagg & Scott Delucia

2009 - Christy Hester

2010 - Steve & Beverly Ogden

2011 - Joyce Nies & Peter Witt

2012 - Rob & Amanda Childress

2013 - Penny Beaumont

2014 - Dr. Ken Matthews

2015 - Jeanette Phariss

2016 - Judge Steve Smith

2017 - Nancy & Len Berry

2018 - Art of Helping Children Committee

2019 - Crystal Dupre

2020 - Greg & Kate Mason

2022 - Randy & Doug French

2023 - Donald & Donna Adam and Trey & Stephanie Malechek

2024 - Shane & Jean Phelps

Foster Parents of the Year Award

2019 - John & Bekah Weirich

2020 - Vanessa Bowser

2022 - Charlotte Hoover & Leesa Donaho

2023 - Aaron & Mandy Hodge

2024 - Santos Arguello and John Bennett

Distinguished Service Award

2020 - Judge John Delaney

2023 - Cynthia Gage

Friends of Children Award

2005 - Judge Jim Locke

2006 - Richard Guerrero

2007 - Anne & Kevin O’Neill, Mel & Willie Pruitt, Helen Spencer

2009 - Carol & John Rhodes

2010 - Jane Riley

2011 - Beverly & Alan Reese

2012 - Kenn Walsh & Ronnie Keys

2013 - KBTX Media

2014 - Matt Faulkner & Brian Gibbs (Pact Design Studio)

2015 - Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority - TAMU Chapter

2016 - Harper & Maggie Cunningham (Books & a Blanket)

2017 - College Station Morning Lions Club

2018 - Citizens State Bank

2019 - Larry Hodges

2020 - Aggieland Realtors

2022 - BCS Together

2023 - Dr. Jesse & Dr. Becky Parr

2024 - Aggieland Credit Union

Advocate of the Year Award

2009 - Faye Lane

2010 - Bilaliah Hazziez

2011 - Kay Huff

2012 - Noelle Perry

2013 - Bonnie Wikse

2014 - Judy Winn

2015 - Jim Stiff

2016 - Robert (Bob) McGee

2017 - Ben Crouch

2018 - Kelyn Wardlaw

2019 - Mike Laue

2020 - Melissa Freeman

2021 - Linda Timmerman

2022 - Christi Parham

2023 - Stephine Lacey

2024 - Mark Troy

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