Serving as Chairwoman of a nonprofit dedicated to protecting children has taught me something important: people rarely need convincing that this work matters. The value of safeguarding children is widely understood. What truly requires effort is turning that shared belief into meaningful, sustained action.
For nearly 25 years, The Joyful Child Foundation has transformed compassion into impact - raising close to $7 million, engaging hundreds of volunteers, and equipping nearly 500 educators and youth professionals with the tools to protect and empower children. Along the way, Samantha’s story has touched countless hearts, while Erin’s spirit continues to inspire a collective commitment to prevention, advocacy and policy change.
Our journey has been one of steady evolution. We began by encouraging neighborhoods to come together-building awareness, fostering vigilance, and strengthening local connections. As momentum grew, so did our reach. We partnered with law enforcement and educational institutions, expanding our ability to influence systems as well as individuals. Each step forward has allowed us to deepen our impact and amplify our message.
Today, we stand at a pivotal moment. Drawing on everything we’ve learned, we are working toward a bold vision: delivering a comprehensive, accessible online curriculum to students in K-12 schools nationwide. This next phase represents not just growth, but transformation.
Yet with this ambition comes renewed challenge-one that has remained constant at every stage: inspiring people to move beyond agreement and into action. It is not enough to care. We must speak up, step forward, and stand together on behalf of children.
Because when a community finds its voice, change begins. When that voice becomes organized, it shapes policy. And when those policies take hold, they redefine what is expected and accepted. Ultimately, when protecting children becomes a shared priority, it becomes a lasting standard.
By investing in children-collectively and intentionally-we give them more than protection. We give them the strength to grow into individuals who are capable, resilient and BRAVE.
Please help us continue our mission of preventing crimes against children by donating on our Igniting Potential Giving Day on September 16th and give what you can. No amount is too small.
Let’s bring BRAVE to every child!
The Joyful Child Foundation, established in 2002 in memory of Samantha Runnion, works to prevent crimes against children by educating and empowering children, families, and communities.
On Wednesday, September 16, OC Giving Day – Igniting Potential gives you the opportunity to help protect and empower more children. Thanks to an anonymous donor, every gift will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $6,000—doubling the impact of your generosity!
Your gift supports our Be BRAVE – Be SAFE (BRAVE) Empowerment Program, including 10 engaging, age-appropriate lessons for Kindergarten through 5th Grade. Now, BRAVE Online brings our proven safety education to children anywhere in the United States through the MyQuest learning platform.
Your support will help us reach more children than ever with the knowledge, confidence, and skills to be BRAVE and be SAFE.
Give on September 16 and be entered to win:*
- 2 registrations for our 10th Annual BRAVE Race on February 28, 2027
- Give $100 or more and you’ll also be entered to win 2 tickets to The Joyful Gala on October 24, 2026!
Raffle winners will be announced Friday, September 18.
Want to get a head start? Give today! Early gifts will help us build momentum for Giving Day—and you’ll still be entered into the raffles.
Help us ignite potential and create a safer future for every child.
Learn more at thejoyfulchild.org or find our event pages at Linktree.
Nonprofit Tax ID: 55-0794474
*No purchase necessary to enter to win. Email your full name, email, and phone number to contact@thejoyfulchild.org by 11:59 PM on 9/16/26 to be entered. One winner will be randomly selected for two free registrations for the 10th Annual BRAVE Race. One winner will be randomly selected for two tickets to The Joyful Gala 2026. Winner will be notified by email on Friday, September 18. Race registrations and Gala tickets are not transferrable and not redeemable for cash.