The Giraffe Project commended Curtis and Lisa Sliwa as "Giraffes" for sticking their necks out to create and sustain the Guardian Angels despite personal danger and financial hardship.

Curtis Sliwa founded this non-profit, all-volunteer organization on February 13, 1979 with only 13 members. There are now over 5,000 members in 67 American, Canadian, and Mexican cities, and recently groups have been formed in London and Paris. Their mission is to fight crime and provide positive role models for young people. Started as a subway safety patrol, they now offer a wide range of volunteer services including reclaiming neighborhoods from drug dealers and criminals, escort services for handicapped and elderly, Junior Guardian Angels, and in some cities, food distribution programs for the hungry and homeless.

The Guardian Angels work unarmed and are required to complete three months of training before becoming  members.  Sliwa and his wife Lisa, along with regional coordinators, organize groups throughout the country wherever there is a call for help.

Update: Curtis Sliwa continues to act as the President of the organization and oversees its worldwide operations. He reports that the Guardian Angels operate in nine countries and 82 cities around the world, with approximately 5,000 members. Sliwa went on to become a populist radio talk show host. Lisa Sliwa divorced him, changed her name to Lisa Evers, and now works as a beat reporter for Fox 5 News in New York City.