Auburn University honors Lauren Bush Lauren and Kim and Tim Hudson at 24th Annual International Quality of Life Awards

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The College of Human Sciences at Auburn University honored FEED co-founder and CEO, Lauren Bush Lauren, as the IQLA Laureate, and Tim and Kim Hudson as Lifetime Achievement Award recipients at the 24th Annual International Quality of Life Awards on Dec. 4 at the United Nations in New York City.

Auburn's College of Human Sciences launched the International Quality of Life Awards in 1994 to recognize people and partnerships that have made significant and lasting contributions to individual, family and community well-being locally and around the world. Roger Thurow, former Wall Street Journal foreign correspondent and author, presented the Laureate Award.

Lauren launched FEED in 2007 as a social enterprise to combat global hunger through the sale of high quality, sustainable jewelry, clothing and accessories.

"I am beyond humbled to be at the UN," said Lauren. "It was FEED and the roots of FEED that began here over 10 years ago. I'll truly never be able to fathom the incredible disparity that exists in today's world–even as we sit here tonight, one in nine people around the world don't know where their next meal is coming from.

"It gives me so much hope that so many goodhearted people have come together around FEED as a brand and a social business to make a difference. And what makes me even more hopeful is imagining that if my very simple idea for this burlap bag and brand you're seeing here today can help generate a 100 million meals for kids in need around the world, what will the students of Auburn University come up with next? Thank you for this incredible recognition."

"Students, think about what you're studying, your career ambitions, your skills and passions," said Thurow. "You'll find in there that there's something you can do on this great challenge of ours of ending hunger, malnutrition and childhood stunting. Lauren applied her original interest in fashion to a new passion as she went out in the world to end hunger and malnutrition and to make a profound difference."

Notable philanthropist and retired hall of fame pitcher Tom Glavine and his wife Chris, devotees for CURE Childhood Cancer, presented the Lifetime Achievement Award, which is given by the college to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to Auburn University, the state of Alabama and beyond.

"Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We are grateful, very humble, and still have a lifetime or more of work left to do," said Kim Hudson. "It's hard to believe we're receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award. We are 100 percent embracing this and we are thankful to each and every one of you in this room who saw fit for us to be honored tonight."

The Hudsons founded the Hudson Family Foundation in 2009. The foundation is committed to "making a positive and lasting impact in the lives of children who have a genuine need for assistance to a specific physical, emotional or financial circumstance." They also helped establish the College of Human Sciences' Volunteers in Philanthropy initiative to promote student leadership education and community service.

Tim Hudson recently retired from major league baseball after 17 seasons that spanned career stops with the Oakland Athletics, Atlanta Braves and the San Francisco Giants. Kim Hudson has been an advocate for children, providing leadership and support for numerous charities including Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Make-A-Wish Foundation, CURE Childhood Cancer and others.

"We're proud and honored to be here celebrating the philanthropic efforts of very remarkable people, particularly our good friends Tim and Kim Hudson, and on behalf of the College of Human Sciences at Auburn University recognizing their tremendous work, what they have done throughout their professional lives, and now continuing to do through the Hudson Family Foundation," said Glavine. "As individuals and as a couple, they've brought great distinction not only to Auburn University, but certainly to Alabama through their achievements and philanthropic efforts."

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Auburn University is a nationally ranked land grant institution recognized for its commitment to world-class scholarship, interdisciplinary research with an elite, top-tier Carnegie R1 classification, life-changing outreach with Carnegie’s Community Engagement designation and an undergraduate education experience second to none. Auburn is home to more than 30,000 students, and its faculty and research partners collaborate to develop and deliver meaningful scholarship, science and technology-based advancements that meet pressing regional, national and global needs. Auburn’s commitment to active student engagement, professional success and public/private partnership drives a growing reputation for outreach and extension that delivers broad economic, health and societal impact.