More than 200 people attended the August 14 Fund For Alexandria’s Child “Stay at Home Gala,” which raised over $54,000 to help enrich the lives of children in foster care.

The annual event, which was hosted virtually this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, helps raise funds to directly benefit children in foster care and children 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.

This year’s Gala included an online raffle, live  auction, a performance by Alexandria’s Poet Laureate KaNikki Jakarta and other activities, including a cocktail demonstration of this year’s signature drink. The virtual platform allowed not only local supporters to attend but also individuals from Delaware, North Carolina and as far away as California.

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

With many families experiencing a loss or change of income this year due to the pandemic, the Fund has received an influx of referrals for families with immediate needs. 

“It is more important than ever that children and families within the child welfare system receive support from the community,” says Fund Coordinator Krystal Fenwick. “The amount raised during the Gala is astonishing and a testament to the generosity and support of our community for the children and families we serve.”

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.