Register Now For Annual Gala to Enrich Lives of Children in Foster Care
A DCHS CONNECT FEATURE
July 2, 2021--The Fund for Alexandria’s Child (FFAC) is hosting the “Families Helping Families: From Our Home to Yours Virtual Gala” on August 12 at 8 p.m. to help enrich the lives of children in foster care during this critical time in their development.
This is the second virtual gathering the Fund has hosted for the annual event.
“Though we cannot all come together in person for the gala, we are excited for the opportunity to still connect our supporters, social workers, resource parents and other community members located across Alexandria and beyond,” said Krystal Fenwick, FFAC Coordinator.
The free, interactive event will include a raffle, an online auction, special guests and more. Those interested can buy a raffle ticket, register for the event and learn about ways to participate and support the Fund if unable to attend. Tickets are free, but guests are required to pre-register.
With many families experiencing a loss or change of income due to the pandemic, it is more important than ever that children and families within the child welfare system receive support from the community.
All funds raised will directly benefit children in foster care or at risk for abuse and neglect, helping to ensure that each child has their basic needs met and providing life-enhancing and enriching opportunities that many of these children miss out on, like dance, art or karate lessons, summer camping, school field trips, scouting and team sports. The Fund also purchases emergency bedding, back to school supplies, holiday gifts and basic housing needs, such as comforters or kitchenware for youth aging out of the foster care system.
Children throughout Alexandria are working to adjust to the changes and stress associated with the COVID-19 crisis. For children in foster care this is a particularly challenging time. In addition to the challenges faced by other children, such as distance learning and dealing with the stress and fears related to COVID-19 crisis, children in foster care are also dealing with past trauma and neglect as well as disrupted relationships and separation from their birth parents and siblings
The Fund is made up of volunteers from all walks of life who want to make a difference in the lives of some of the most vulnerable children in Alexandria, who are identified by Department of Community and Human Services family service specialists. In addition to the Gala, the Fund plans other fundraising events and helps with the collection and distribution of gifts and other items for children. Learn more about the Fund and how to support children in foster care or at risk of abuse and neglect at alexandriava.gov/TheFundforAlexChild.