About the Award
Launched in 2021, The Lauren Zagoria Champion for Children Award is presented annually to individuals who demonstrate a deep commitment to helping children with cancer.
2024
In 2024, the Lauren Zagoria Champions for Children Award was presented to Sam and Gary Alexander and the Northeast Atlanta Chapter of the National Charity League. Sam and Gary lived in the same neighborhood as the Zagoria family. After Lauren’s passing, they heard about the effort going into the first Lauren’s Run and lent their skills: Gary managed the money, and Sam designed the logo and t-shirts. Gary said, “I liked what they did. Instead of walking away, they started to raise money to help other children.”
The National Charity League is designed to encourage community service and volunteering opportunities for mothers and their daughters in grades 7-12. The Northeast Atlanta chapter is celebrating a decade of being an inspiring part of Lauren’s Run & Picnic. The entire chapter gets involved by setting up themed tents and leading the children who attend the picnic in games that match their theme. It is a signature event for the NCL and creates a lasting impression on each of the girls and their mothers.
2024
In 2024, the Lauren Zagoria Champions for Children Award was presented to Sam and Gary Alexander and the Northeast Atlanta Chapter of the National Charity League. Sam and Gary lived in the same neighborhood as the Zagoria family. After Lauren’s passing, they heard about the effort going into the first Lauren’s Run and lent their skills: Gary managed the money, and Sam designed the logo and t-shirts. Gary said, “I liked what they did. Instead of walking away, they started to raise money to help other children.”
The National Charity League is designed to encourage community service and volunteering opportunities for mothers and their daughters in grades 7-12. The Northeast Atlanta chapter is celebrating a decade of being an inspiring part of Lauren’s Run & Picnic. The entire chapter gets involved by setting up themed tents and leading the children who attend the picnic in games that match their theme. It is a signature event for the NCL and creates a lasting impression on each of the girls and their mothers.
2023
In 2023, the Lauren Zagoria Champion for Children Award was presented to Karol Hurtado, Pam Hall, and AutoNation. For the past nine years, these two Gwinnett AutoNation employees have dedicated themselves tirelessly to raising funds for Lauren’s Run & Picnic. From January through April, Karol and Pam purchase drinks and snacks for employees to buy and donate all sale proceeds to CURE. Since AutoNation became a sponsor, the organization has contributed $431,000 to support the event, and it all started with Karol Hurtado and Pam Hall.
2022
In 2022, the Lauren Zagoria Champion for Children Award was presented to Kelly Smink of Amusement Masters and DJ Nate. These two have made the picnic extra fun for many years. DJ Nate is the voice of the picnic. He brings joy through song and commentary and leads a lively pre-race warm-up. Kelly arranges to have all of the inflatables set up and ready for the kids to enjoy. Both have proven their commitment to children with cancer by donating their services. We can’t imagine Lauren’s Run & Picnic without Kelly and Nate’s dedication.
2022
In 2022, the Lauren Zagoria Champion for Children Award was presented to Kelly Smink of Amusement Masters and DJ Nate. These two have made the picnic extra fun for many years. DJ Nate is the voice of the picnic. He brings joy through song and commentary and leads a lively pre-race warm-up. Kelly arranges to have all of the inflatables set up and ready for the kids to enjoy. Both have proven their commitment to children with cancer by donating their services. We can’t imagine Lauren’s Run & Picnic without Kelly and Nate’s dedication.
2021
The inaugural award was presented to Cindy Goldberg and Debbie Levinson for their tireless commitment to raising funds to advance childhood cancer research. For more than 15 years, Cindy and Debbie have passionately and compassionately educated the community about the tragedy of childhood cancer and the need for research. They have led fundraising campaigns which have raised tens of thousands of dollars, all invested in innovative childhood cancer research. In memory of Lauren Zagoria and in honor of all children fighting cancer, Cindy and Debbie are truly champions and deserve to be celebrated and honored with this special award.
