Frank Banda came to Hollywood in 1985 when he was just fifteen years old. He had runaway from home seeking an acting career, stardom and fame among thousands of similar children forced to survive on the mean streets. Frank overcame insurmountable odds and unselfishly reached out to children who had nowhere else to turn for help. On August 26th, Frank passed away at Cedar's Sinai Hospital after a long struggle with lymphoma.

Frank made a lifelong volunteer commitment to Children of the Night and he was a strong influence and a positive role model for children who felt they had no hope.

Frank appeared on countless television news programs always making the personal sacrifice of social humiliation because of his fearless sharing of horror stories of what happened to young boys forced to live on the streets.

Frank volunteered on the Children of the Night hotline, drove children to Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, directed self-help workshops, worked on the street outreach team, and solicited donations from celebrities such as Leeza Gibbons and Rosie O'Donnell. Frank helped build Children of the Night into the internationally recognized program it is today.

Frank's smiling face; his wonderful sense of humor, his untiring support has left an indelible memory in our thoughts and in our heart. He was an inspiration to our staff and our children and his work has permanently changed the lives of thousands of children. Frank Banda will always remain in our heart and in our prayers.

Dr. Lois Lee stated today, "I have known Frank since he was fifteen years old and in the last several years he became my confidant and my friend. Over the last several months we spoke every night. He will be dearly missed. I loved him."

Children of the Night will hold a memorial service in honor of Frank Banda at the Children of the Night home which Frank helped build. Frank's family has requested that donations be sent to Children of the Night in lieu of flowers.

Donations may be made online at: www.givedirect.org

Or by contacting us directly.

President: llee@childrenofthenight.org
Accounting: inovikova@childrenofthenight.org
Volunteer: mtraverso@childrenofthenight.org

14530 Sylvan Street
Van Nuys, California 91411

Hotline:(800) 551-1300
Main:(818) 908-4474
Fax:(818) 908-1468