2008 Lifetime Achievement Award: John Walsh
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The fight to protect children from abuse and Internet predators got a signficant boost on October 11, 2008, as Operation Kids honored John Walsh, host of the TV show America's Most Wanted and co-founder of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), with its Lifetime Achievement Award. In addition to his work at America's Most Wanted and NCMEC, Walsh has also led the charge for tough federal legislation protecting kids, including the passage of Adam's Law. In total, the Lifetime Achievement Award gala raised $900,000 through private and corporate donations, to benefit the following organizations dedicated to children's safety: |
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$500,000 – National Center for Missing and Exploited Children |
"John Walsh has been a tireless advocate for children for more than 25 years. He suffered unbelievable personal tragedy with the death of his son, Adam. But he turned the tragedy into a lifetime of successfully protecting and defending children. He is living proof that we can all make a difference. John is the real deal, and a deserving recipient of this award." - Rick Larsen, Operation Kids