Jaycee Dugard made her second public appearance with her family On May 7, 2013, at the Hope Awards held annually in Washington D.C. Every year, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) sponsors a black tie fundraising event in conjunction with National Missing Children’s Day. This is a day set aside to remember our Nation’s precious missing, and to honor those who give so much to the efforts of finding those missing. The Hope Awards aim to recognize the courage of children who have experienced the unimaginable. In the words of John Ryan, CEO of NCMEC, “Jaycee Dugard and her family have shown us what hope and faith really mean.” The Master of Ceremonies was Richard Burgi, a television star (Desperate Housewives), a lifelong environmentalist. as well as champion for children’s causes. Introducing Jaycee and her family was John Walsh, NCMEC Co-Founder and the host of America’s Most Wanted.
This event coincided with the recovery of three women who had been held captive in Ohio for over a decade. This “coincidence” really brought home the message of Hope, with both Jaycee and her mother Terry Probyn paying tribute to these young women. Jaycee and her mother also gave thanks to the team of devoted employees of NCMEC, especially those of the Family Advocacy Outreach, who had stayed with them for more than eighteen years, as the search finally resulted in a recovery. The reunion of Terry and Jaycee with the NCMEC staff was a sight to behold, with tears shed by all.
Another recipient of the Hope Award was Steve Largent, President and CEO of CTIA-The Wireless Association. After setting records as a wide receiver in the NFL, and representing Oklahoma’s First Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives, Mr. Largent went on to head CTIA-The Wireless Association, a company responsible for wireless AMBER Alerts. Receiving the International Children’s Award were Bryan Cranston & Robin Dearden who were honored for their continued commitment to NCMEC’s mission – the safety of children everywhere. Among their accomplishments are TV and film acting, screenwriting and directing. They have been dedicated supporters of NCMEC for over 20 years through charitable donations and public appearances.
For more information about NCMEC, visit their website at www.missingkids.com
