For the Love of America
They are two women in their 90s, both Arizona residents, who have lived a story that reads like American history itself. Sara O’Meara and Yvonne Fedderson, best friends turned founders of Childhelp, have spent more than six decades at the helm of one of the nation’s oldest and largest nonprofits dedicated to the prevention and treatment of child abuse.
And now, as the United States prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary in 2026, Childhelp has been invited into a partnership that feels both patriotic and deeply personal. The nonprofit will join forces with America250, the bipartisan commission charged by Congress to lead the commemoration of the Declaration of Independence. Together, the two organizations will salute generations of military men and women who have defended freedom while carrying forward a mission centered on children, family, and hope.
Childhelp’s history is closely tied to America’s military story.
"What began as a USO tour in 1959 grew into hospitals and orphanages for children in Japan and Vietnam. During the Vietnam War, we coordinated Operation Babylift, bringing thousands of orphaned children to safe homes in the U.S.," says Yvonne.
Today, Childhelp programs extend onto 13 military bases across the country, serving children of service members with prevention and education resources.
“From the very beginning, love has been our compass... love for children, love for family, and love for the values that call us to serve. Partnering with America250 gives us a chance to honor those values on a national stage while shining a light on our mission to protect every child," says Sara.
Here at Home
“Being a gentleman is not defined by words; it’s defined by action. That belief has guided the Sigma Nu fraternity at Arizona State University for decades, shaping how its brothers see leadership and how they choose to serve,” says Will Maiefski, President of Sigma NU, Arizona State University, and the young man who launched the "Greeks for Childhelp" initiative.
For Sigma Nu, that service has a face and a name: Chuck Hopkins, a fellow brother and the son of Childhelp cofounder Sara O’Meara. In 1988, during ASU’s Homecoming weekend, Chuck’s life was tragically cut short. Out of that loss came a lasting bond. To honor Chuck and his family’s charity, Sigma Nu pledged itself to Childhelp’s mission.
What began as a tribute has since become a tradition of service more than three decades strong. Sigma Nu has raised over $1 million for Childhelp, with annual efforts often nearing six figures. The impact goes beyond the dollars: each year, new generations of young men are shaped by lessons in responsibility, empathy, and the reminder that leadership is about lifting others.
“Organizing large-scale events, rallying support, and advocating for children has become part of who we are,” adds Maiefski, who also serves as National Board Member of Childhelp; President of the Arizona Young Professionals Chapter of Childhelp; and Director of Advocacy for the North American Interfraternity Conference.
The legacy of service is reflected in the fraternity’s alumni. Derrick Hall, President & CEO of the Arizona Diamondbacks; former Tempe Mayor Neil Giuliano; and NBC broadcaster Al Michaels all came through Sigma Nu at ASU, carrying forward the same principles of honor, service, and integrity.
As Maiefski notes: “You don’t have to be in a fraternity to live with purpose. All of us have the chance to stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves. That is why we stand with Childhelp.”