by contributor Rebecca Fernandez
with Jacqueline Lynch
On Wednesday, October 3, 2012, World Food Program USA, in partnership with the U.S. Department of State, hosted the 11th annual George McGovern Leadership Award ceremony at the Department of State.
It highlighted the significant contributions in the global fight against hunger made by David Novak, Chairman and CEO of Yum! Brands, and United Nations World Food Program Ambassador Against Hunger Christina Aguilera.
Christina Aguilera and David Novak have made considerable contributions to the fight against hunger through the World Hunger Relief campaign. They have raised nearly $115 million for the United Nation’s World Food Program (WFP) and other hunger relief organizations since 2007.
Whether for school meals or emergencies, from Malawi to Cambodia, Novak and Aguilera have given a voice to the hungry, helping WFP to feed millions of children and families in need in 44 countries.
For the past 10 years, World Food Program USA has hosted an annual award ceremony to recognize leaders who have played a critical role in the fight against global hunger. In 2009, the award was named after Senator George McGovern, in recognition of his leadership in advancing U.S. government efforts to address global hunger. This year the awards were recognized to Christina Aguilera and David Novak.
To start off the ceremony, President and CEO of World Food Program USA, Rick Leach gave the opening remarks. Followed by Leach, World Food Program USA Chairman, Hunter Biden spoke.
Mr. Biden gave the presentation of George McGovern Leadership Awards to Christina Aguilera and David Novak. After the awards were given, U.S. Secretary of State, Hilary Rodham Clinton, gave special remarks.
When addressed the crowd, she spoke about how much the WFP has done for many international countries. “What I am encouraged by, and excited even, is how far we have come. We have a vision and a plan because we cannot accept a world where children are hungry because of where they are born.” She talked about the future plan of the organization to continue helping women, children, and families throughout the world fight against hunger.
One of the award winners, Christina Aguilera, spoke about how being a mother has changed her perspective even more for this cause. “I would never want for my son to not be nourished and be able to conquer the world because I was unable to feed him.”
She goes on to show the direct link from how empowering women can affect the lives of their children for many generations. “I have always been a huge supporter of empowering women. Making sure that they feel they have a voice. The WFP is giving women a chance, a chance to grow and learn and make something of themselves, and then later pass it on to their children.”
The other award winner David Novak spoke about how he chose to join the WFP. “When this opportunity was given to me, I could not help but immediately jump on board. It takes so little to make such a difference in one child’s life, and I am willing to make it in millions.”
There were many inspiring speeches at the World Food Program USA ceremony. Award winners Christina Aguilera and David Novak have done many things to deserve the award, and will continue to show their support for the organization. It only takes a couple of minutes of your time to help children survive…..…so why not do it?
