Philippine Fiesta (Northern California newspaper) November 12, 2007 issue

Here is the article in its entirety:

FINDING LIFE’S CALLING DURING A VACATION
-THE STORY BEHIND CHILD UNITED-

LYNNWOOD, WA—You may remember Christine Umayam, a former television reporter for Fox40 News in Sacramento.  She covered news from all over the valley and made a name for herself as one of the few Filipino-Americans on television news.  Up until several years ago, she gave up her microphone to work back home in the Seattle area for an internet marketing company.  It was then she realized what she was destined to do… to help impoverished Filipino children achieve their own dreams of success, dreams for an education. 

Umayam’s story is filled with passion and drive.  It’s a story that may tug at your heart.  You see, Umayam was earning a six figure income at her company, which enabled her to buy a new house and a car, yet she still felt incomplete.  Umayam was longing for something more. She had no idea she would find it thousands of miles away on vacation. What she found was her purpose.

In January 2006, Umayam went to the Philippines with her family. It was a different visit than what she had experienced almost a decade before.  She said “that particular trip I saw from a different perspective. It was a chance to catch up with family, buy souvenirs, and basically have fun.”

During her month long trip in January 2006, Umayam gained a whole new perspective. She saw the devastation first hand.   Umayam couldn’t believe the extreme poverty the Philippines allowed their children to live in.  It became personal when she saw her own nieces and nephews living in poverty.  She said, “What surprises me the most is the children.  They live without toys, ipods and video games.  Yet they were happy.  Our children in America take it for granted.  They have every opportunity possible to them.  These children, no matter what condition they lived in, laughed and played even when they have nothing.  That’s a vision I couldn’t get out of my head.”

Having a family that immigrated to the states, Umayam is very well aware of the sacrifices made for her to have a better life in America. She knows not everyone in the Philippines will get the opportunity she has had. Umayam became a successful television reporter and lived in many states, including Madison, WI, Tri-Cities, WA, Portland, OR and here in Sacramento, CA. Umayam believes she achieved these goals because of her education and now she wants to help children who don’t have the financial means to go to school.  She said, “the most effective way to help these children is by making it possible for them to stay in school.  It’s the only way to open up the doors of opportunity.”

After her month long trip to the Philippines, Umayam returned to her job as a Senior Account Executive at HouseValues Inc., an internet marketing company.  The thoughts of the children stayed in her mind.  Umayam put up pictures at her desk with children smiling and making peace signs.  Every time she looked at the pictures, it gave her the idea she needed to do something.   

It would be a year later before the voice inside Umayam told her what that something was. Someone at the company complimented her on a necklace she was wearing: a multiple-stranded necklace with a shell pendant that she purchased from the Philippines. Throughout the year, Umayam would receive similar compliments on other necklaces she wore.  It was then Christine realized she was onto something.

Umayam went back for another trip to the Philippines in January 2007 and it confirmed her calling.   She would combine her fashion and business mind with her philanthropic side and start Child United.  The organization is dedicated to helping impoverished Filipino children receive an education.  The online company sells exotic jewelry from Asia and 50% of the proceeds will go to a special education fund to help children get the education they deserve. 

In May of this year, without hesitation, Christine left her high paying job. No more paychecks. No more meetings. No more familiar routine.

She traded it for a journey she’s never traveled before. This is Umayam’s first business. She started Child United from a spare bedroom of her home.  The room is now decorated with pictures of children on her walls.  She even has a picture of Oprah to inspire her.  Umayam said, “I left a very comfortable job… for this.  Although, I’m not getting paid much… I know one day Child United will help.  I could possibly provide an opportunity for the future president of the Philippines.  Child United could help revolutionize the Philippines out of poverty.  At least that’s what I hope”   

“I was shocked at first when I learned she left her job!” Maureen Francisco said. Francisco is Christine’s long time friend from their reporting days.  “But I knew Child United was something she’s been passionate about. Christine kept a diary of ideas about her future business from the name of her company to her business plan. Whenever she was inspired, she would write her thoughts on paper. It’s nice to see her ideas turning into reality.”

Francisco now volunteers as a media director for Child United.   Umayam recruited two other people, including Spencer Dahlquist, Christine’s former coworker at HouseValues, Inc. and Marissa Tejada, Christine’s friend from her reporting days.  The team is now Child United. 

Less than six months after leaving her job, Umayam is happy to say Child United is open for business. The website, www.childunited.org features a variety of exotic jewelry from the Philippines and Thailand. She recently expanded her collection to include specialty items for weddings and gifts. 

Visitors who go to www.childunited.org can learn more about the specific projects Child United will undertake. There is also video of the poverty Umayam witnessed first hand along with a radio story from a Seattle radio station.