It's that time of year again! The Maine Children’s Alliance is accepting nominations for the 2016 Giraffe Awards, an annual event designed to celebrate the unsung community heroes who “stick out their necks” for Maine children, youth and families. Nominations can be submitted online at http://www.mekids.org/nomination-form.php. 
“The Giraffe Awards reminds us that an astonishing number of Mainers throughout the state are doing more than their part to make Maine a better place to be a kid” said Claire Berkowitz, executive director of the Maine Children’s Alliance. “Hearing these stories and learning from these folks at the Giraffe Awards strengthens our resolve and commitment to improving the lives of Maine children, youth and families.”
Pictured above: Sue Mackey Andrews, Don Sanders and Nakia Dana - all 2015 Giraffe Award winners.
Since 1996, the Giraffe Awards have honored individuals, organizations, businesses and young people who make a difference for children and families in their communities. Candidates are individuals or groups who routinely go above and beyond their job description and invest precious time, energy and talent in Maine kids. Previous winners include Jim Wellehan of Lamey Wellehan, Nakia Dana, Education Resource Coordinator for the Passamaquoddy Tribe as well as former lawmakers, advocates, businesses and many more. The Maine Children’s Alliance is looking to community leaders, educators and advocates for nominations. Part of the mission of the Giraffe Awards is to highlight some important work going on throughout the state and share ideas on how we can improve outcomes for Maine children. This year, the Maine Children’s Alliance will be presenting Giraffe Awards in four categories:- Individual
- Organization
- Business
- Youth
“The Giraffe Awards are an opportunity to acknowledge our own capacity to make a difference for children in our state,” said Bill Cumming, board chair of the Maine Children’s Alliance. “The Giraffe Awards teach us that there is a role for all us no matter how big or how small to create enduring change for Maine children.”The Giraffe Awards are traditionally presented at MCA’s Champions for Children Event in the fall but this year will be presented during the Maine Children’s Convention on November 5, 2016. To learn more about the Giraffe Awards, click here .