Save the Date: Champions for Children Awards Luncheon 2026

Mark your calendars for our 2026 Champions for Children Awards Luncheon! Each year, our luncheon honors extraordinary community members who go above and beyond to champion Arizona's children and families. 

The gathering won’t be complete without our amazing community of supporters. Don’t miss this inspiring afternoon as we celebrate this year's honorees, share a meal with fellow community leaders, and learn more about the vital work of Children's Action Alliance. 

This year, we are proud to recognize an incredible group of Champions for Children: 

• Senator Lela Alston- Lifetime Achievement Award 
  Honoring her longstanding service and advocacy on behalf of Arizona children, families, and communities. 
• U.S. Senator Mark Kelly- Public Official Award 
  Recognizing his commitment to Arizona families and his work on issues that impact children’s health, education, and well-being. 
• Senator T.J. Shope- Leader for Arizona’s Children Award 
  Honoring his work to improve outcomes for children and families and his commitment to Arizona’s health, child well-being, and human services systems. 
• Senator Mitzi Epstein- Champion for Economic Progress Award 
  Recognizing her leadership and partnership in advancing policies and resources that strengthen Arizona families. 
• Penelope Jacks - Community Advocate Award 
  Celebrating her decades of leadership in early childhood and her continued commitment to bringing communities and partners together to expand opportunities for young children. 
• Raising Voices Coalition- Organization Award 
  Recognizing the coalition’s collective efforts to elevate community voices and advance policies that create stronger outcomes for Arizona children and families. 

These honorees represent the many ways that leadership can make a difference- from public service and policy advocacy to community organizing and building stronger systems for children. 

Registration is officially open for Champions for Children. We hope you’ll join us to celebrate their contributions and the collective work happening across Arizona to create a brighter future for every child. Your attendance helps raise critical funds that allow CAA to remain an independent voice for children and families in Arizona – work that is especially important today.

Date: Thursday, October 22, 2026

Time: 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM

Location: The Parsons Leadership Center for Girls and Women at Camp South Mountain, 1611 E Dobbins Rd., Phoenix, AZ, 85042