show hostess and F three-time Emmy nominated actress Kelly Ripa recently hosted the 2002 Angel Soft Angels in Action Awards in Los\g@ Angeles at The El Capitan Theatre. The event honored 10 ordinary kids who have earned an extraordinary title through ough self- Kelly Ripa recognized national Angel Soft Angels in less dedication to Action winnersat red carpet ceremonyin Los Angeles. their communities, a charity or cause. The awards ceremony in Los Angeles was the culmination of a year-long search for kids who demonstrate a whole-hearted commitment to helping others. From creating their own non- profit organizations, to taking leadership roles in their communities and schools, the following winners were selected for their exemplary acts of service: Zach Ebers, 16, St. Louis— Zach created his own cereal drive program, “Breakfast Bonanza.” Jodie Leyfert, 10, Pottstown, Pa.—Jodie created “Hospital Hugs” to comfort children during their stay in emergency rooms. Clayton Lillard, 13, San Anto- nio—Clayton and his “Backyard Crew” rebuild old and discarded bikes for children of inmates. Lorraine Mercado, 11, New York—Lorraine volunteered more than 340 hours of her time sewing sleeping bags for the homeless and serving hot meals in soup kitchens. Shane Saunders, 10, Wildo- mar, Calif.—Shane volunteers daily to assist students with developmental delays and ortho- pedic challenges. Chanel Suares, 15, Long Beach, Calif.—Chanel’s “Sharing Caring Giving” program donates blankets to children in hospitals andshelters. Erin Rosen-Watson, 15, Nat- ick, Mass.—Erin has two organizations: Afghan’s Plus and the Essential Care Packet Project. Matthew Westmoreland, 15, Atlanta—Matt’s annual “Adopt-aChild” program provides hundreds of dollars and gifts for children in group homes. Lauren Wilbourn, 14, Law- renceville, Ga.—Lauren recruited her own “Kidz-for-a-Kure” team to benefit the American Cancer Society. Craig Wolsten, 13, East Brunswick, N.J.—Craig created “The Happy Birthday Foundation,” which provides birthday parties to children in homelessshelters. The Angel Soft Angels in Action Awards Program debuted in 2000 and has awarded $150,000 to junior philanthropists for outstanding deedsthat benefit a community, charity or cause. For more informa- tion visit www.angelsoft.com.
