Stars make future brighter for children through World Vision ‘ Celebrities for Children : Race for Hope’

"Our vision for every child, life in all its fullness. Our prayer for every heart, the will to make it so."  -  World Vision

As part of its commitment to uplift the lives of poor children, World Vision launched its ‘Celebrities for Children: The Race for Hope’ campaign last April. The campaign aims to find sponsors for at least 1,000 poor children in the country through the help of World Vision celebrity child sponsors.

True to its vision of ‘life in all its fullness” for every Filipino child, with the help of celebrity challengers, World Vision culminates the campaign with a thanksgiving event at the Annabel’s Restaurant in Tomas Morato, Quezon City last October 29, 2013.

During the campaign, the celebrities had to “race” to get the most sign ups through referring their friends and families to be child sponsors. By the end of the campaign in September, the celebrities have collectively referred sponsors for 189 children.

The participating World Vision celebrities prove that they are more than just pretty faces – they have the heart to help. TV host Christine Bersola-Babao, entrepreneur Cristalle Belo Henares, movie and TV actress Anne Curtis and beauty queen Miriam Quiambao are the celebrities who responded to the call and accepted the challenge.

A well known entrepreneur-philanthropist, Cristalle Belo Henares said that it had been her dream to help send kids to school. Her campaign slogan “300 at 30”, signifying her mission to find sponsors for 300 kids for her 30th year. She said she will continue getting sponsors for children after the campaign is over. She also said that believes that whoever wins the challenge, children are the ultimate victors.

Miriam Quiambao, shared to us that when she heard about this challenge, “I said ‘yes’ right away. I’ve been a longtime ambassador for World Vision and I believe in that sponsorship can really uplift the lives of poor children, being a child sponsor myself.” She started sponsoring a child after winning first runner up in the 1999 Miss Universe beauty pageant. Now, she is a proud sponsor of 10 children, three of whom have already graduated.

For TV host and celebrity mom, Tintin Babao, sponsorship is a family affair. The Babaos sponsor four children – one for each member of their family. “We teach our kids the value of sharing our blessings. We even turn their birthdays into charity events,” she shared.

Tintin said that “being able to help a child is a gift, there is no price for sponsorship, yes. But the fulfillment of making a difference in the life of a child, that is priceless.”

TV host/actress, and one of the World Vision Ambassadors, Anne Curtis is also excited to be part of the challenge. “Anything that has to do with children I’m game!” Being a mainstay host of the popular noontime variety show, she was able to get her co-hosts and other celebrities to sign up as child sponsor.

World Vision Associate Director Jun Godornes shared that "This event is to recognize our celebrity sponsors for their selfless commitment in our ministry for the children. These four women have reinforced the fact that beauty is reflected in the abundance and overflow of a person's heart."

Your sponsorship donation changes lives. By sponsoring a child, you, along with thousands of other Filipinos, are helping break the cycle of poverty for children in the Philippines. Together we can make a change.

When you sponsor a child, you provides one special child — and his or her community — life-changing basics like: nutritious food, clean water, access to healthcare and access to education. 

For more information you may log onto www.worldvision.org.ph or call hotline (02) 372-7777.