Gift of Adoption Fund CT Chapter Building a Larger Presence in Fairfield County

Fairfield County, CT ​​ – One year ago, Sullivan joined his permanent family in Fairfield with the help of a Gift of Adoption grant. Christine and Ashby, and their 7-year-old son, Sawyer, knew they wanted to expand their family and have all the resources to share their lives and home with a 4th family member. The biggest hurdle for the mental health professional and small business owner was the upfront adoption fees. Ashby works for a nonprofit and Christine’s business was adversely affected by Covid. The $4,500 Gift of Adoption grant provided the final funds needed for the family to bring Sullivan home from Los Angeles shortly after his birth.

Adoption is never easy. Christine says, “Every time we thought we couldn't manage it, something else came up to make it possible. The exact moment we were wondering how we could finish Sullivan’s adoption, we were awarded the Gift of Adoption grant. We are so incredible grateful.” Recently, two Gift of Adoption Connecticut Chapter board members, Matt Reinbold and Brian Rogers, visited the family to welcome baby Sullivan home with a small gift. (pictures)

The Gift of Adoption, Connecticut Chapter is raising funds and recruiting additional board members to help more Connecticut families complete the adoptions of their children. While the Connecticut Chapter of Gift of Adoption was founded in 2014, Gift of Adoption has awarded $107,700 in adoption assistance grants across Connecticut to complete the adoptions of 32 children since 1996.

The Connecticut Chapter is hosted two events this fall to raise funds for adoption assistance grants. On September 19th, Gift of Adoption Fund joined Malta House in a unique “golf marathon” fundraiser at the Innis Arden Golf Club in Old Greenwich. Two golfers from Gift of Adoption Fund played as many holes as they could from dawn to dusk. Donors supported the golfers with a flat donation or a per hole pledge. The event raised $25,000 for the Connecticut Chapter.

On October 15th, Gift of Adoption held a yoga class at Synergy Yoga in Fairfield, followed by a gathering at The Stand for a la carte refreshments. Guests had the opportunity to support the Connecticut Chapter through a raffle.

100% of funds raised through both events will be directed to adoption assistance grants for Connecticut families.

“At Gift of Adoption, we believe that the best environment for any child is in a loving family,” said Tracy Burger, Vice President, Corporate Initiatives at CATIC and board member for Gift of Adoption’s Connecticut Chapter. “Our events allow us to raise funds which complete the adoptions of children in need of families, providing the lifetime of love and care that is the key to unleashing their full potential.”

Gift of Adoption is currently recruiting board members for the Connecticut Chapter. If interested in learning more about board membership, please visit https://giftofadoption.org/connecticut/ or contact Ashley Greene at ashleygreene101@gmail.com.

PHOTO: CT GOA Board member Brian Rogers, Christine, Ashby, Sawyer and Sullivan, CT GOA Board member Matt Reinbold and his son, Will. Pictured sharing a Gift of Adoption Welcome Home tote with the Gift of Adoption grant family.

About Gift of Adoption Fund

Gift of Adoption provides grants of up to $15,000 to complete the adoptions of vulnerable children. Priority is placed on helping children facing what is possibly their only chance at adoption, including those at-risk of separation from siblings, entering foster care, aging-out of an orphanage, or with special needs. Gift of Adoption is the largest provider of adoption assistance grants on a nondiscriminatory basis (without regard to age, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or marital status) and our grants are paid directly to adoption agencies and attorneys working on the child’s behalf.

Since inception in 1996, Gift of Adoption has awarded 14 million nationally to give 4,500 children permanent families and the chance to thrive. Gift of Adoption is recognized by Charity Navigator and the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance. Visit www.giftofadoption.org to learn more.

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Submitted by Fairfield, CT

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