Children. Families. Communities. Since its founding in 1937 by judges dedicated to improving the effectiveness of our nation’s juvenile and family courts, the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, based on the University of Nevada, Reno campus, has worked to improve outcomes for children and families. Throughout 2007, NCJFCJ has celebrated its 70th anniversary with a number of community events, culminating on Friday, November 9, 2007 with a gala dinner at John Ascuaga’s Nugget in Sparks, Nev. Henry Winkler – actor, director, producer, child welfare advocate and best-selling children's author – will be the featured speaker.

A committee of more than 50 state and local leaders, called “Champions for Children and Families,” has joined with NCJFCJ to plan the celebration. Nevada’s Governor and First Lady, Jim and Dawn Gibbons, will be in attendance, and other National and State dignitaries, including Senators Harry Reid and John Ensign, Congressman Dean Heller, Nevada State Senator William Raggio, Reno Mayor Bob Cashell, and Nevada System of High Education Chancellor Jim Rogers are serving as honorary co-chairs.

The public is invited to join in the celebration. The November 9th gala will include a gourmet dinner, live and silent auctions and dancing, beginning at 6:00 pm. Tickets are $150 each, and a table of 10 is $1,500. A VIP Reception with Mr. Winkler will be held at 5:30 pm; tickets are $50 per person. Proceeds from the event will help NCJFCJ continue its work on behalf of our nation’s children and families. For more information, call 784-6012 or click here.