World of Children Award is a global recognition program for people who are specifically serving the needs of children. World of Children was co-founded by Harry Leibowitz and Kay Isaacson-Leibowitz, two retired senior executives from Procter & Gamble and Victoria’s Secret. Their dream is to bestow a Nobel Prize-like award to honor individuals who dramatically improve vulnerable children’s lives. After 15 years, World of Children is still strongly dedicated to these children and making this dream a reality. They have awarded more than $5 million in cash grants to 95 changemakers for their programs working in over 140 countries.
Stephanie March is an actress who is best known for her role as Alexandra Cabot on the TV series Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. March started her career at Northwestern University and soon made the big move to Broadway in Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman. Since then, March has appeared on Broadway, Off-Broadway, television and the occasional film. March lives in NYC with her husband, Celebrity Chef Bobby Flay.
Introduction by: Meg Zrini
Interview Conducted via Email by: Giacinta Pace
Q: How did you get involved with World of Children and what is your role?
Stephanie: I am a Celebrity Ambassador for World of Children. Kay and Harry ran into me, literally ran into me, in the Rome airport when Bobby and I were vacationing three years ago. Kay rapid fire informed me that she and Harry had been trying to get into contact with me through my representation but to no avail. They gave me a brief rundown of what World of Children does and left me with a business card. The whole thing happened so fast and so out of the blue. I honestly thought they might be bonkers. However, my curiosity got the better of me and when I got home I did a little recon on the organization. I was so impressed with what I read that I contacted Harry and we set up a meeting for his next New York visit. That's where it all began. In November, [I will be] taking a trip with the World of Children to Kiev to visit Chernobyl Children International and a trip to Nepal in the spring to visit past honorees around the world and see the work they are doing on the ground.
Q: What is the most important thing people should know about this organization?
Stephanie: World of Children seeks no accolades or recognition for its own sake. It is 100% a conduit through which changemakers throughout the world are assisted and acknowledged. It is the most highly vetted, most thorough, leanest organization. When you give your money to WOC it goes to the projects it honors, not to fancy campaigns.
Q: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Stephanie: Yes! Support us at our annual Awards Ceremony this year in New York City on October 25th. If you can't do that read up on what we do and who we help. It will reaffirm your faith in humanity. That I can guarantee.
