Cathy Rigby
Julia Hart The Second Star to the Right Awards and Hall of Fame.
In 2004, to mark the 100th anniversary of Peter Pan, The Peter Pan Children's Fund began an annual tradition of recognizing young philanthropists with the Second Star to the Right Award.
Award recipients demonstrate great maturity and pureness of heart over and over again, establishing their identity as "Philanthropist," with a capital P.
"As important as the first star is in beginning the journey to Neverland, it is the second star that lets you know you have found the magical island," says Julia Hart, co-founder of the Peter Pan Birthday Club.
Julia was ten years old when she met Michael Samuelson, a beloved philanthropist who, like Sir James Barrie, left a charitable legacy in support of the Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children in London.
Samuelson told Julia that age does not matter and even the smallest giver deserves the very big title of philanthropist. In his thinking, young people should be recognized for generosity and he planted the seed for The Second Star to the Right Award by giving the honor a name.
Each year the Fund selects children, teenagers, schools, or youth groups, from across the country who demonstrated a true understanding of the importance of giving. The criteria for induction into the Second Star to the Right Hall of Fame includes the repetition of generosity in support of sick and injured children, and influencing friends and family to follow the lead.
Selections are made from the information provided to The Peter Pan Children's Fund on The Peter Pan Gift Application.