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Monthly Update - November 2016
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The 11th Annual Claws For Kids Luncheon
Raises Record Funds for Children and Youth
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Did you hear? Our 11th Annual Claws for Kids Luncheon netted $100,000 - the most we've raised at the luncheon - ever!
That means more crucial, unrestricted funding for our programs to ensure the safety and long-term success of abused and neglected children. The event's success was truly a team effort made possible by all who bought tickets, entered the raffle, purchased a table, donated a raffle prize and/or sponsored the event. We are especially grateful to Platinum Claw Sponsors Peggy and Doug Hudson; Kaisa and Doug Levine, Suzanne and Brad Meltzer, Stephanie and Michael Rosen; and Maryanne Lukacs, Esq.; Gold Claw Sponsors Bilzin Sumberg, Goldman Properties, the Huntington Consulting Group, and Sapoznik Insurance, as well as to our 10 Silver and six Bronze Claw Sponsors. Special thanks also goes to our raffle and in-kind donors. For all who attended and supported the event, we thank YOU!
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FFCR team members staffed a table (above) at Thursday night's Give Miami Day block party. Check out our
Photo Album
for more fun photos!
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Record-Breaking
Give Miami Day
FFCR supporters set another new record last Thursday,
Give Miami Day
, with 90 individuals generously donating $15,210 to support our programs!
Many were inspired by the special Give Miami Day video
made by FFCR Board Member Kelly Penton Chacon and the team at Kivvit. The 24-hour Give Miami Day event, hosted by
The Miami Foundation
, raised $9.1 million for more than 660 nonprofits in Greater Miami.
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FFCR's Marissa Leichter with OurKids Board of Trustees Chair Keith Ward, 2) FFCR Executive Director Candice Maze with newly adopted baby, 3) Judge Alan Fine, Candice and General Magistrate Steve Lieberman
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National Adoption Day 2016 - All About the Smiles
Families, child welfare professionals and judges came together this past Friday, November 18th to celebrate National Adoption Day. Florida Foster Care Review was on hand to share information about our programs and take part in the joy. Fifty to 60 children had their adoptions finalized. FFCR's valued dependency court partners Judges Fine, Lederman, Ruiz, Sampedro-Iglesias and Brennan were all in attendance, as were General Magistrates Lieberman and Kallman.
Said FFCR Executive Director Candice Maze of the event: "National Adoption Day is the culmination of thousands of hours by dedicated family members, foster parents, community volunteers, attorneys, child welfare professionals and judges all working towards the common goal of creating forever families for the children and youth we serve. I look forward all year to this special day. The smiling adults and happy children remind me why I went into this field in the first place."
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FFCR staff members Melissa Martinez-Esteve & Kristine Inyang with Julie Alexis of the Guardian ad Litem Program
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FFCR Seeks New Recruits at the Miami Book Fair
Topping off a busy week, Florida Foster Care Review was in full force at the
Miami Book Fair
from Nov. 18th
to 21st
. Entrance to the popular Street Fair was free
on Friday
, and South Florida children and teachers came from far and wide to participate in storytelling, readings and more. FFCR staff hosted an information table and gathered the names of nearly 50 community members interested in learning about
volunteering with FFCR
. FFCR staff also took time to explain how our
Citizen Review Panel
serves as a safety net for abused and neglected children, and they provided helpful resources and information to the many current and former foster youth and families who visited our booth.
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In the news
In the community
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Foster Youth Weekly, FFCR's Online Newspaper
Like being in the know? FFCR curates Foster Youth Weekly, an online paper focusing on resources useful to and supportive of youth in foster care and young adults recently in care. Check it out for employment info and more. To receive it in your inbox, be sure to
subscribe!
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