The Joyful Child Foundation Hosts Annual Gala to Protect Children

IRVINE, CA, UNITED STATES, October 14, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- The Joyful Child Foundation is hosting its annual gala, "An Evening of Champions for Children," on Saturday, October 24, at Strawberry Farms Golf Club in Irvine, California. The event aims to raise funds and awareness for the Foundation's mission to protect children from various forms of abuse, including bullying, abduction, exploitation, and trafficking.

The gala will feature renowned child-safety advocate Ed Smart as the guest speaker. Smart, the father of Elizabeth Smart, who was abducted in 2002, will share his insights and experiences with the audience. Ed Smart and Erin Runnion, the Founder and Executive Director of The Joyful Child Foundation, have a shared history of advocacy. Their daughters, Elizabeth Smart and Samantha Runnion, were abducted just one month apart in 2002, during a period the media called "the Summer of Abductions." This tragic event brought national attention to the urgent need for stronger child-protection measures and inspired both parents to become leading advocates for change.

Returning as emcee is Kayden Tokarski, OC's brightest young star. Tokarski, who recently joined the cast of ABC's General Hospital as Scout Cain, has a personal connection to The Joyful Child Foundation. Her involvement with the organization's original Be Brave pilot program helped inspire her acting career and taught her important personal safety skills. Her return as emcee is a meaningful full-circle moment for both Tokarski and the Foundation.

Auctioneer Zack Krone of CA Coast Auctions will lead the evening's fundraising efforts. Krone's exceptional energy and expertise will ensure a lively and successful auction, with multiple opportunities for guests to participate and support the Foundation's prevention and empowerment programs.

The Joyful Child Foundation's mission is to prevent crimes against children through education, empowerment, and community unity. Its signature program, the Be Brave, Be Safe Empowerment Program (BRAVE), teaches children practical, age-appropriate skills to recognize unsafe situations, trust their instincts, establish personal boundaries, speak up, seek help, and advocate for their own safety. The Foundation is expanding access to prevention education through the launch of BRAVE Online, empowering more children to develop the skills and confidence to help keep themselves safe.

The gala will bring together supporters, community leaders, advocates, and philanthropic partners committed to protecting childhood and ensuring every child has the opportunity to grow up safe, confident, and empowered. The Foundation invites the community to join this special evening, honor Samantha’s legacy, and help create a safer world for every child.

The gala will feature fundraising games, a silent auction, and an exciting live auction. Guests will have the opportunity to connect with fellow champions for children and support the Foundation's prevention and empowerment programs.