Attending the 2019 CHILD USA Awards Celebration

PA Attorney General Josh Shapiro put it best (a paraphrase): "I'm not usually one for fancy celebrations, because I was elected by the people to do a job, and that job isn't done yet."

Attending CHILD USA's Third-Annual Awards Celebration on November 7 of 2019 at the Wanamaker Building in Center City Philadelphia was an incredible experience. I met many influential titans in the world of child advocacy, including my new friends Sofia and Payton from the Parkland Project.

Sofia and Payton from the Parkland Project.

They were affected by the shooting at Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida in 2018, a national travesty and catalyst for the most significant gun control debate: all brought to us by the youth. They and their classmates have used their national recognition to never let people forget gun violence in America. One of their efforts included creating a 10-song album called "Wake up, America," and it was set to drop the day after the CHILD USA event. Sofia and Payton, with whom I was lucky enough to share a table, performed two songs during the ceremony.

I also was graced with meeting Dr. Marci Hamilton, the CEO of CHILD USA and a Professor of Law at the U Penn. The various speakers during the ceremony made it plainly obvious how instrumental and groundbreaking Marci's work's been to reforming the legal system surrounding child abuse. I had just narrowly missed meeting her when I visited CHILD USA's office in Philadelphia at the end of my bike tour; she was busy advocating in Italy! Upon meeting her at the ceremony, I expressed my incredible appreciation, but she responded by saying she was "inspired" by my bike tour because it reflected growing public support... I am speechless.

Another really awesome personality present recognized at the event was Julie K. Brown, the investigative journalist who uncovered the Jeffrey Epstein case, including how it fit into the greater child sex trafficking scheme.

Pictured above are Marci Hamilton of CHILD USA, investigative reporter Julie K. Brown, and Executive Assistant to the CEO's at CHILD USA: Sarah Williams and Jillian Ruck.

PA Attorney General Josh Shapiro speaking at CHILD USA's Annual Awards Ceremony, 2019, accepting the Access to Justice Award. Behind him is Marci Hamilton, CEO of CHILD USA.

PA State Attorney General Josh Shapiro was vibrant, humble, and encouraging in his speech detailing all of the work he has been able to accomplish with his position. He has cracked down on every diocese in the state of Pennsylvania (and in a much more aggressive sense than a simple email). He's got my vote! I also got to witness Leah Remini and Mike Rinder, two people who created a documentary show aimed at exposing the Church of Scientology. Mike's speech was filled with intense emotion, and Leah Remini could barely hold back her excitement and appreciation for CHILD USA.

I had a brief but awesome feature in the opening video of the night, which summarized the various efforts happening in 2019 that contributed to CHILD USA. Perhaps my Scranton interview will follow me for the rest of my life!

I have my great friend: William Peck, to thank for driving us both the 4.5 hours each way on the night of the event. He humored my many requests for photo opportunities, and he was an awesome person to share this experience with!

To think, I only discovered CHILD USA and its incredible feats because I wanted to ride my bike! I am absolutely stoked about the future of protecting children, and I hope I can help in whatever way possible. If you would like to see the video summarizing my bike tour from the summer of 2019, check out the video below.