The Judge Ron Alvarez Resiliency Award
This award honors Judge Ron Alvarez's pioneering work with youth in Palm Beach County, especially using a trauma-informed approach years before others in the system of care.
The award recognizes members of the legal community who champion a trauma-informed approach, making the justice system more compassionate and equitable for vulnerable children and families.
First presented to Judge Alvarez in 2019, the award carries forward his legacy with the blessing of his wife, Elaine. Past honorees include Dori Foster-Morales (2020), Judge Kathleen Kroll (2023), and Justice Barbara Pariente (2024).
The Jane Robinson Child Advocacy Award
Named in honor of Jane Robinson, the founder of the Center for Child Counseling, this award recognizes individuals whose unwavering dedication reflects her lifelong mission: to protect children, uplift their voices, and promote their emotional well-being.
Honorees embody the spirit of advocacy, compassion, and leadership—working tirelessly to advance mental health, safety, and resilience for children at the individual, community, and systems levels. Past recipients include: Kathy Leone (2023), for her commitment to championing the rights of children in the child welfare system, and Dr. Barbara Gerlock (2024) for her decades of service promoting the mental health and well-being of the most vulnerable youth in Palm Beach County.
The Julie Fisher Cummings Child Protector Award
Named in honor of Julie Fisher Cummings, this award celebrates a lifetime of extraordinary leadership in championing the rights of children and women. As a nationally recognized philanthropist and civic leader, Julie has spent over four decades advocating for vulnerable populations—working to ensure that every child has the opportunity to grow up safe and healthy.
The award is presented to an individual or business that has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to protecting children’s safety and well-being. Honorees exemplify the values Julie has spent her life advancing: bold advocacy, compassionate action, and a deep dedication to building a more just and equitable world for children.
Event Emcee
Eddie Stephens is a Board Certified Marital and Family Attorney, author, lecturer, and community leader who supports a number of local civic and charitable organizations including serving as the Vice Chair on our Board of Directors.
Eddie has developed a successful family law practice, Stephens & Stevens, focused on highly disputed divorces. As an attorney and leader, is making a difference in Palm Beach County, supporting Center for Child Counseling's mission and work for over seven years. He is a popular and engaging motivational speaker, including presenting at our annual Lead the Fight event.
His personal motto is “Do Something that Matters,” and in that spirit, he brings a passion for inspiring others along with his own personal childhood experiences overcoming adversity to his work at the organization. His hobbies include cooking, yoga, camping and spending time with his family. Eddie is happily married to Jacquie and has two children, Christopher and Matthew.