FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  June 5, 2008

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Allison Shuffield

ashuffield@globalactionforchildren.org

(202) 589-0808 x227                                                                                  

WASHINGTON, D.C. - May 2008, the Catalogue for Philanthropy: Greater Washington named Global Action for Children (GAC) as one of the best charities in the greater Washington region.  Since 2003, the Catalogue has annually recognized small organizations with budgets below two million dollars for achieving distinction, merit, cost-effectiveness, and accomplishment.  By honoring small non-profits such as Global Action for Children, the Catalogue aims to raise public awareness of philanthropy, create visibility for the featured charities, and improve charitable giving in the Washington metropolitan region. 

"We are honored to be recognized by the Catalogue for Philanthropy," said Jennifer Delaney, Executive Director of GAC.  "We look forward to bringing even more supporters and partners to GAC over the next year through our work with the Catalogue."

From its inception as a coalition, through its evolution into an independent non-profit in 2007, Global Action for Children has played an integral role in urging Congress to pass legislation designed to provide assistance to children in need throughout the world.  This year, Global Action for Children, along with partners, is working hard to push for the reauthorization and full funding of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and ensuring that 10 percent of that funding is dedicated to the care of Orphans and Vulnerable Children.  GAC also works to build support for increased U.S. investment in global child and maternal health programs, and to ensure that orphaned and vulnerable children living in poor countries are prioritized by the next U.S. Administration and at the global policy meetings, including UNAIDS and the G8. 

Said Delaney, "There is much work ahead to ensure that children are not left off of the agenda in the high-level policy arena, where decisions on large-scale funding are made and policies are set.  We are passionate about the work we do to assist the millions of children made vulnerable by poverty, disease, and conflict.  While the numbers are staggering and the countries are far away, it is important to remember that these statistics represent individual children, no different from our own, who are suffering, and need the same care, support, and love as children in our own families and neighborhoods do."

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Global Action for Children is a nonpartisan, results-oriented coalition dedicated to advocating for orphans and vulnerable children in the developing world. GAC works to increase funding and ensure it is spent effectively so all children have the health care, education, nutrition, and protection they need to grow up safe and healthy. Visit us online at www.globalactionforchildren.org.

For more information about the Catalogue for Philanthropy, please visit their website, http://www.catalogueforphilanthropy-dc.org/2007/index.html