ARISE Foundation recently celebrated the work of select members of Congress and other ARISE supporters with the Children’s Champion Award. ARISE recognized the love, concern, and devotion these members of congress have to the at-risk children in their communities. The award distinguishes the efforts and support Congress has given to the ARISE Intervention/Reentry Life Skills Program through which youth with severe behavioral problems will go on to reach their highest potential.

ARISE Co-Founders Edmund and Susan Benson personally presented twelve members of Congress with the award on June 5th and 6th. Recipients included Senator Mel Martinez, Senator Bill Nelson, Congressman Ander Crenshaw, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings, Congressman C. W. Bill Young, Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Congressman F. Allen Boyd, Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite, Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Congressman Tim Mahoney, Congressman Kendrick B. Meek, Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart, Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart, and Congressman Tom Feeney.

ARISE also presented the award to the organization's longtime friend Ronald Book, Mr. Peter Vegso, and Ms. Lucinda Worrell-Stowe.