Forever Home Adoption Celebration Draws Over 300 People

May 31, 2006

Over 300 people attended the first Forever Home Adoption Celebration held at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Sat., May 20, 2006. The event celebrated adoption and provided information about pre- and post-adoption services in a family-friendly and fun atmosphere. Proceeds from the event benefited the National Center for Adoption Law and Policy.

Eighty families toured 19 adoption exhibits and enjoyed face-painting, coloring, and building optical illusion toys. There were live animal demonstrations, ice cream samples, carousel rides, and live entertainment from the WaterLily Oriental Dance Group and Short Stop Youth Center performance groups.

Adoption exhibitors consisted of the following local and national adoption agencies, educational organizations, support groups, and public county agencies: A Child's Waiting Adoption Program, Adopt America Network, CASA of Franklin County, Central Ohio Families with Children from China, Children's Hope International, Children's Hospital International Adoption Clinic, Columbus Coalition Against Family Violence, Delaware County Department of Job and Family Services, European Adoption Consultants, Families for Russian and Ukrainian Adoption, Families Thru International Adoption, Family Adoption Consultants, Franklin County Children Services, Interracial Families in Friendship, Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio, New Roots Adoption Support Group, Ohio Family Care Association, Parenthesis Family Advocates, Rosemary Ebner Pomeroy, Attorney at Law, and the United Methodist Children's Home.

Thanks goes out to the event sponsors including Homewood & Ambassador Homes, Denise’s Homemade Ice Cream, Baker / McB, LLC, The Columbus Magazine, and HER Real Living, as well as the 33 businesses and individuals who donated to the evening’s raffle, which included prizes such as front row Indians tickets, overnight stays at Fort Rapids Waterpark, and a brand-new Sprint Blade phone.

Next year’s Forever Home Adoption Celebration will be held Saturday, May 19, 2007.