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October 05, 2011 - Angels in Adoption Gala
What: The Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI) is a nonprofit organization that works to raise awareness about the needs of children without families and to remove policy barriers that hinder children from knowing the love and support a family provides. CCAI was founded in 2001 by advocates of the world's orphaned and foster youth.
Where: Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center
When: October 5, 2011
Time: 6 pm - 9 pm
Ticket Prices: $250.00
Beneficiary: Angels in Adoption
Honoree(s): Angels in Adoption
Presenting Sponsor(s): Freddie Mac Foundation
Executive Director: Kathleen Strottman
Attire: Business
Board of Directors: Jack Gerard, Chair, American Petroleum Institute, Elmer Doty, Vice Chair, Vought Aircraft Industries, IUnc. (Retired), Steve Bartlet, The Financial Services Rou0ndtable, Ralph Boyd, Jr., Freddie Mac Foundation, Ed Martin, The Hershey Company, Tracy Schar, Comstock Homebuilding, Rita Soronen, Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, Stuart Williams, Peoples United Bank
Blacktie Photos by: Daniel Clemmer
Nia Vardalos, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Angels in Adoption honoree
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The Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI) hosted its 13th Annual Angels in Adoption(tm) Gala on Oct. 5 in Washington, D.C. The gala highlights the work of celebrities and individuals nationwide who work on behalf of children in U.S. foster care and orphans around the world. The 2011 National Angels in Adoption (tm) honorees included Academy Award Nominated Actress and Screenwriter Nia Vardalos, Cleveland Browns Linebacker Scott Fujita, and Freddie Mac Foundation's Wednesday's Child Program. They were joined by 140 everyday Americans selected by members of Congress as Angels in Adoption for their work on behalf of children in need of families.
Vardalos, who adopted a daughter with her husband in 2008, is an active supporter for children in need and grateful for he gift of adoption has provided her family. "My husband and I were matched with our daughter via American Foster Care, and the minute we met her, our lives changed forever. At three years old, our perfect little girl walked into our house, and turned it into a home," said Vardalos.
Fujita is an adoptee himself, and his parents Helen and Rodney, will be accepting the award on his behalf. Mr. and Mrs. Fujita also have another adopted child, and consider their lives "deeply enriched by the experiences we have shared with these two fantastic sons," and noted that "yes, we have had the usual ups and downs of any family raising two rambunctious boys. But all those moments are what make a family and creat the most treasured memories."
Ralph F. Boyd, Jr., President and CEO, Freddie Mac Foundation, accepted the award on behalf of Freddie Mac Foundations's Wednesday's Child for its child advocacy and adoption efforts. "I am honored by the National Angels in Adoption's recognition of the Freddie Mac Foundation Wednesday's Child program.