Family celebration a success

To the editor:

Alaska Center for Resource Families and the Office of Children’s Services sponsored an Adoption Celebration event in the Valley Nov. 12.

We invited 47 families who adopted children through OCS during the last year. About half of those families were able to attend, and we had about 115 people at the event.

We could not have done this without generous donations from the community and the help of our dedicated volunteers. We would like to recognize our cash donors: BP, Wal-Mart and Elmendorf Officers’ Spouse’s Organization.

In addition to the above named, we received donations from the following: Alaska Railroad, Town Square Art Gallery, Shane Lamb Studio, The Gallery, Taco Bell, Spenard Builders Supplies, Allure Day Spa, Raven Wii, and Just Imagine Toys.

Twisted Balloons and Don Russell the Magic Guy entertained the children and gave us a discount on their services. We also got assistance from our volunteers: Kara’s Girl Scout Troop 442, Genie’s Gang, Callum, Rozann from the Grandparent Support Group, Carol and the Alaska Job Corps Human Services students, Tami from Catholic Social Services, Erica from Wendy’s Wonderful Kids and Laura with the Heart Gallery. OCS staff Tim, Erin, Julie, Dawn, Tara, Cindy, Randa, Alia, Brooke, Jenny and Mariah all also helped make this a special day for our adoptive families.

Betsy Woodin

Alaska Center for Resource Families

Wasilla