“It is truly an honor to be here tonight and to receive the Kids’ Champion Award from such a remarkable organization as Kids Matter. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the team at Kids Matter, not just for this recognition, but for the incredible work you do every day to empower young people and create a positive environment for them to grow.

As I reflect on my own journey, I can’t help but think back to when I was a member of the YMCA Leaders Club in Norwich NY, where I grew up. It was during those formative years that I learned the importance of community, leadership, and the value of lifting others up. I will always be grateful for those experiences, as they taught me that investing in our youth is investing in our future.

KidsMatter embodies that same spirit by helping young people recognize their potential and providing them with the tools to thrive. The difference you make in their lives extends far beyond today and will shape our community for generations to come. I’m a witness to their good work, as I have been involved with the Teen Philanthropy Initiative as a supporter and now mentoring 5 amazing high school Juniors.

To the young people here tonight, I want to say: keep believing in yourselves, and never underestimate the power you have to shape your own future. You are the leaders, innovators, and change-makers of tomorrow, and we are all here to support you on that journey.

Thank you again for this award. I am deeply humbled and incredibly proud to be a part of this effort to empower our youth. Together, we can continue to create a brighter and more hopeful future for all.

Be Thankful, Live Simply, Be Kind, Believe in yourself, Never give up, Use Please and Thank you, Help others, cherish family and friends, Do your best, Listen with your heart, Laugh often, and love lots.

“When you’re grateful, what do you do? YOU SHARE.” – W Clement Stone

– Tom Miers

2024 Kids’ Champion Award Recipient