Rye Brook's Forever Families Through Adoption Hosts Gala Fundraiser

The following press release is from Forever Families Through Adoption:

On October 9th, Forever Families Through Adoption, Inc. (FFTA), a NY and CT-authorized non-profit adoption placement agency and resource center based in Rye Brook, hosted “An Evening at Crawford Park Mansion,” its sixth annual gourmet food tasting and silent auction event. Generous local sponsors and auction item contributors were vital to the evening’s success.

FFTA’s Executive Director, Joy S. Goldstein, LCSW, ACSW, who co-founded the agency in 2007 with her husband and adoption attorney, Michael S. Goldstein, Esq., LCSW, was inspired by the generosity and dedication of attendees, community volunteers and contributors. “These collective efforts greatly enhance our ability to sustain and expand our outreach and education efforts in the community for which FFTA receives no fees,” said Mrs. Goldstein. Proceeds raised enable FFTA to develop new programming with the continued goal of increasing knowledge and understanding of adoption issues. “Our mission is to increase positive adoption awareness, empower families and serve the community and we pride ourselves on offering services and support to those who need it,” she said.

In addition to FFTA staff, members of its Board, and committed volunteers, also lending support to the event was notable guest Maria-Alana Recine, Court Attorney Referee to the Honorable Kathie E. Davidson, Supervising Judge of the Family Court/Ninth JD and New York State Senator George Latimer, a local Rye resident who acted as Auctioneer.

During the event there quests watched a powerful slide show of forever families created with the help of FFTA and which also documented the number of children waiting for permanent homes in the foster care system. The presentation reinforced a simple but important fact — children belong with families — and highlighted the critical fork in the road when states and government attempt to become substitute parents to these 125,000+ children.

Seven local restaurants prepared and displayed delicious tasting dishes for the event. Participants included Rye’s Morgan’s Fish House in Rye, Ruby’s Oyster Bar in Rye, Euro Asian Bistro in Port Chester, Westchester Burger Co. in Rye Brook, Blue Moon Café in Bronxville, Lisa Catering and Creative Bakes in Port Chester, and Acuario’s in Port Chester. The wine was provided by Aries Wine and Spirits in White Plains. All Star Beverages in Yonkers and BrewSA in Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ kept the cold beer flowing while music for the evening was provided by rock trio “Pat and The Hats” from New Hampshire and string duet “Bluefox” from NYC. Additional sponsors transforming the Mansion with graceful finishing touches included White Plains Linen and Frank’s House of Flowers in Mamaroneck, who donated all of the stunning floral arrangements.

FFTA, founded and staffed by social workers, attorneys, adoptees and adoptive parents, believes that every child regardless of racial or ethnic background, age, or physical or emotional challenge, has the right to grow up in a loving, nurturing, secure, and forever home. To learn more about adoption and FFTA, call 914-939-1180 or visit FFTA on the web at www.ForeverFamiliesThroughAdoption.org.

Photo: Some of the organizers and attendees at the Forever Families Through Adoption fundraiser, Oct. 9. Photo credit: Forever Families Through Adoption