Our guest today on Social Media Edge was Mike Chapman, a local friend of mine that I met via Twitter a few months ago. He talked about an upcoming event that his company is helping to promote. I think it's a very worthy cause, and I wanted to help him spread the word. It's for International Adoption Month and it benefits the Gladney Center for Adoption: http://www.adoptionsbygladney.com/
Both of my parents were adopted, so without adoption I wouldn't even exist! Clearly, this is a cause near and dear to my heart. :) My wife and I were very close to adopting back when we got pregnant in 1998. That was four children ago for us! I am always in favor of any initiatives to help bring children to couples and families that really want them and can give them a better life.
Here's some information that Mike provided for this post:
The event is a benefit concert called "Adoption Rocks!", and it was inspired by a local Austin family who adopted their beautiful Ethiopian daughter through Gladney. Upon learning of the trip to Ethiopia, friends hosted a live musical event last November to raise money for the Ethiopian orphanage.
The event was so special and so well-received that those involved decided to do it again but in a much bigger way! This promises to be a unique, fun event that will donate money raised to support the many programs and services Gladney provides.
The Gladney Center is a licensed, not-for-profit agency that has been creating bright futures through adoption since 1889. Today, Gladney stands as an international leader in adoption services and has placed thousands of children in loving homes. Gladney facilitates domestic as well as international adoptions from 9 different countries including Russia, China, Guatemala, and Mexico. Besides education, social events and life long support, post-adoptive services are provided from the Gladney Center for birth parents, adopted children, and their families.
The video below makes a very compelling case. In my case, it brought swift tears as well.
Although the details are on the Facebook page I mentioned above, here they are again:
Location: Long Center For Performing Arts (near downtown Austin, TX)
Entertainment:
Dumpstaphunk (Ivan Neville's group)
John Pointer
The Sangra del Sol Dance Troupe
Tickets: $100 each ($50 of each ticket is tax-deductible) To order, just click on desired show time link below and enter the promotional code "ADOPTIONROCKS" (all caps) 7:30 pm link = http://budurl.com/adopt1 9:30 pm link = http://budurl.com/adopt2
Sponsorships are still available, and there will also be a silent auction held. Hors d'oeuvres will be served, and there will be a cash bar available as well.
Jason, it takes very special people to adopt. I thought about it at one time, but it never happened. I always wondered if I would be able to personally.
Wonderful post and looks like fun for a worthy cause. One of my clients works with a group that helps facilitate adoption of children in Columbia. No matter where there are orphans it's good to see that there are those whose compassion compels them to take in and adopt children!
Hey Bill. That's a good point. Gladney Center for Adoption, which facilitated my friend's adoption of an Ethiopian girl, does much good work here in the U.S. as well. He made the video based on his own personal experiences and we're hoping to see other videos soon that add to the story from many perspectives. Mike
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Jason, that is awesome to support such a cause. I am adopted, so I love coming across info like this!