Local Organization Hosted Annual Gala to Benefit Families

Our International Adoption Coordinator Megan Montgomery recaps a fundraiser to benefit Parenthood for Me.

Parenthood for Me is a organization providing infertility and adoption resources and support. Founders, Erica Walther Schlaefer and A.J. Schlaefer, set up PFM to provide financial and emotional assistance as well as educational tools to those starting their family through adoption or medical assistance.

On March 9th, Parenthood for Me held their annual Gala and silent auction in Rochester, NY. Adoption STAR was fortunate to be able to attend the event and share our support of PFM mission.

At this event, Parenthood for Me presented a Commitment to Excellence Award to Lori Holden, a blogger ( www.LavenderLuz.com ), author – her book Open Hearted Way to Open Adoption: Helping Your Child Grow Up Wholeis available fro pre-order on Amazon, an educator she has also written at magazines such as Parenting and Adoptive Families Magazine and she is also an adoptive mother.

Lori was also the keynote speaker. We could truly appreciated Lori’s presentation on Open Adoption. Often times open adoption is considered synonymous with regular or ongoing contact, but that isn’t necessarily the case. Instead, Lori talked about the “spirit” of openness. This distinction is particularly relevant for those who, for various reasons, may not have contact with their children’s birthfamily. Even without regular contact, one can create an environment where nature and birth connections are embraced, further promoting the “wholeness” of the child. Lori spoke with such passion and “real-ness”. She uses the familiar King Salomon story to get her point across – she reminds us that to help our children grow up whole, we must avoid “splitting the baby”. The award recognizes Lori’s dedication to supporting the Adoption, Loss & Infertility community.

We are already looking forward to next years gala!

Read More on What is Happening at Adoption STAR: Our Calendar of Events for 2013, Thank You for the NY Grand Opening and RIBBON CUTTING Ceremony, Recap Spring Fling and Egg Hunt, Michele Fried on the NY Grand Opening and RIBBON CUTTING Ceremony , Have you ever thought about International Adoption?