WCFR to Honor Lauren Shields with Legacy Award at 15th Anniversary Gala

NYACK, NY — Worldwide Community First Responder, Inc. (WCFR) will posthumously honor Lauren Shields with the WCFR Legacy Award during its 15th Anniversary & Fundraising Gala on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Hotel Nyack – JDV by Hyatt in Nyack, New York.

The Legacy Award will celebrate Lauren’s life, her commitment to helping others, and the lasting impact she made through her support of WCFR and its community programs.

Lauren held a very special place in the WCFR family. She was a valued WCFR Lifesaving Partner and shared the organization’s commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

A Special Connection to WCFR Bikes for Kids

Among Lauren’s contributions to WCFR, her involvement with the WCFR Bikes for Kids program was especially meaningful.

Lauren loved participating in the program and seeing the excitement and happiness of children receiving new bicycles and helmets. Her compassion for children and families reflected the spirit of service that WCFR seeks to inspire throughout the community.

For Lauren, giving back was about more than participating in an event—it was about creating moments of joy and letting children know that their community cared about them.

Her mother, Jeanne Shields, has shared how much Lauren treasured her involvement with WCFR and how meaningful the Bikes for Kids program was to her.

A Legacy That Will Not Be Forgotten

WCFR Founder and President Dr. Jacqueline Cassagnol shared a close and meaningful relationship with Lauren and said honoring her is deeply personal.

“Lauren will always hold a special place in our hearts and in the WCFR family. She genuinely cared about helping others, and you could see the joy she felt when she was giving back, especially through our Bikes for Kids program. We miss her tremendously, but the kindness, love and compassion she shared with us will never be forgotten. It is an honor to recognize her legacy.”

Lauren passed away in June 2026, leaving behind family, friends and community members whose lives were touched by her kindness and generosity.

Her mother, Jeanne Shields, will attend the gala and accept the WCFR Legacy Award in Lauren’s memory.

The presentation is expected to be one of the most meaningful moments of WCFR’s milestone 15th anniversary celebration—a reminder that a person's impact continues through the people they inspired, the lives they touched and the acts of kindness they leave behind.

Celebrating 15 Years of “Teaching People, Saving Lives”

Founded in September 2011, Worldwide Community First Responder is a nonprofit organization with the mission “to prevent deaths worldwide through education and training.” For 15 years, WCFR has worked to empower individuals and communities through health education, lifesaving training, scholarships and community outreach.

The Caribbean-themed WCFR 15th Anniversary & Fundraising Gala will take place:

Saturday, September 19, 2026
7:00 PM
Hotel Nyack – JDV by Hyatt
400 High Avenue, Nyack, NY 10960

The evening will celebrate 15 years of WCFR’s lifesaving mission while recognizing individuals whose leadership, service and generosity have made a difference.

Proceeds from the gala will support WCFR’s programs and its continued mission to "prevent deaths worldwide through education and training".

Attend or Support the WCFR Gala

Community members are invited to attend the gala, become sponsors or make a contribution in support of WCFR’s lifesaving programs.

Tickets & Sponsorships:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/wcfr-15th-anniversary-and-fundraising-gala

Learn more about Worldwide Community First Responder:
https://wcfrworldwide.org/

As WCFR celebrates its 15th anniversary, the organization is proud to ensure that Lauren Shields’ legacy of compassion, service and love for others continues to be remembered.

Lauren may no longer be with us, but the lives she touched—and the joy she helped bring to others—will remain part of WCFR forever.