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May is
National Foster Care Awareness Month. On May 31, 2008, Arizona Heart
Gallery, the Foster and Adoptive Council of Tucson and other agencies
city-wide participated in the largest collaborative, community outreach
event. The purpose of this event was to show appreciation for children in
foster care and the families who care for them, and to reach adoptive and
prospective adoptive families for the children awaiting adoption in Arizona.
Foster & adoptive families gathered to enjoy the
food, games, jumping castles, a raffle and much more. Prospective adoptive
families joined with public to view over 50 life-size photos of children
awaiting adoption in the state of Arizona.
Speakers at
this event included: Mayor Bob Walkup, Congressman Raul Grijalva (U.S.
Representative), Honorable Judge Joan Wagener (Juvenile Courts), John &
Rachel Lohrman (Adoptive Parents) and Lupe Tovar & Serina (In My Shoes).
A Balloon
Tribute of 2500 yellow balloons with blue ribbons were released into the
sky. Each balloon represented a child from Pima County in out-of-home care
(foster care, shelters or group homes).
Special thanks
to Soledad Zuzuárregui for representing Governor Napolitano's office,
everyone at
Thoroughbred Nissan for
hosting this event, and to everyone who gave of their time and efforts to
make this event possible and successful. Funding was provided through
recruitment efforts paid for by the Department of Economic Security. |
Foster & Adoptive
