Founder of National Stepfamily Day (September 16, 1997—Present) Christine Borgeld is a special example of the difference just one dedicated person can make. She is the driving force behind National Stepfamily Day, which is celebrated on September 16th every year in all 50 States. It’s even celebrated by many stepfamilies outside of the United States of America, such as Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom! Through either Governors’ Proclamations or Senate/House Resolutions, National Stepfamily Day (NSFD) is legally recognized and honored. Stepfamilies honor the big day by hosting a family picnic or planning other family activities together. National Stepfamily Day has brought pride, comfort and comradeship to stepfamilies worldwide and is heavily recognized in global stepfamily, remarriage and divorce groups and organizations. As of 2010, stepfamilies are more prevalent than nuclear families yet have had the least amount of support. Christy has dedicated her life to changing that. Stepfamilies worldwide have embraced her for it and greatly appreciate her strong efforts in unifying stepfamilies while also helping society to accept and support non-traditional families. Christy is a Published Song Writer (Broadcast Music Incorporated--BMI) and has written two songs about stepfamilies. Traveled Journey and My Special Family Tree (View the songs at: http://www.nationalstepfamilydayfoundation.org/NSFDF-Video-Presentation....) Christy is also founder of the National Stepfamily Day Foundation. (http://www.nationalstepfamilydayfoundation.org) I nominate Christy because her mind is always working towards more goals to make an even bigger difference for families across the globe. Christy is in alliance with other organizations, doing interviews, focusing on the healing of our global families, proving the significant roles stepmothers and stepfathers have in their stepchildren’s lives, eliminating stigma in divorced/remarried/single parent/step families, and creating school programs for students from those families, which directly helps parents, students and educators alike. Her mind is always in overdrive and her heart is always yearning to help more and more. I know she will continue to accomplish great things for the rest of her life. This award with your wonderful organization, , describes the driven leader Christy is, a person who is relentlessly advocating for families nationwide and even worldwide, because every persons knows someone who is in a stepfamily, if they aren’t part of a stepfamily themselves. The impact of Christy’s work is extremely beneficial for marriages/relationships, helping to decrease divorce rates for subsequent marriages, alleviating tensions between both households and improving co-parenting skills, and ensuring acceptance for stepfamilies, eliminating shame on children and parents from “broken homes.” She is advocating to erase negativity, bias, and ostracizing of stepfamilies, who should be whole-heartedly recognized as families instead of “broken homes.” She is helping children, parents and the world culture for the long term. Christy’s work and experience reinforces the notion that determined individuals still have a voice. In addition, she has requested that we recognize not only the commonness of stepfamilies but also their difficulties and struggles of needing to be accepted and supported. Christy has tirelessly worked 15 years and continues to pour her heart and soul into her leadership for stepfamilies. She is the top and the first in the field to bring awareness to government officials in all fifty states,and support to the American stepfamilies on a national and world wide scale. To stepfamilies and all who support equality, she is our legend. Christy Borgeld is a 'National Treasure'. Her heart for families, especially stepfamilies, is changing the face of our globe. She is taking her time, talent and treasure and seeking to be a 'difference maker.' There is a giant need for resources, encouragement and opportunities to grow as parents, children and families. Stepfamily dynamics challenges households on a daily basis, and Christy is working to bring success to this family scenario. Her positive spirit, and steadfast perseverance to getting things done, is a key to her success. Many years from now, as the efforts to support stepfamilies is looked back upon, Christy should be seen as an historic individual in the shaping and changing of our world culture!! Christy's online bio:http://www.nationalstepfamilydayfoundation.org/About-the-Founder.html