Wade Shows Provides Foster Youth "Miles of Smiles"
Wade Shows is North America's premier carnival company. Frank Zaitshik the owner and director of Wade Shows had a dream of providing a free fair for children in foster care, adopted children, children living with relative and families in need. His dream became a reality for 6000 children and families. Working with the Florida State Fair, The Florida Department of Children and Families, 37 corporate sponsors and 200 volunteers the fair took place 12/14 through 12/16. There were 26 rides, food, games and entertainment - all free to the kids. Mr. Zaitshik has committed to making this an annual event!
Restaurant Supports Hillsborough County Foster Families
Lupton's Restaurant & Catering served its famous barbecue to area foster children and the families who care for them at its 23rd annual picnic at the Lupton's Boggy Bottom Ranch in Temple Terrace on March 3rd. Foster families enjoyed arts and crafts, bounce houses, volleyball, and nature trail rides. The Lupton family and area supporters donate all of the food, games, and gifts for the children and foster parents who attend each year.
Local Magazine Promotes DCF Camps
The South Florida edition of HERLIFE magazine partnered with DCF by donating space in thier magazine to feature 2012 Palm Beach County Camp for Champions. Photos for the feature were donated by Lauren Lieberman, owner of Lila Photo. Check out HERLIFE Magazine here.
Foster Youth Recieves the Trip of a Lifetime
One of Florida's foster youth really, really likes SpongeBob. So, Sachs Media Group, Nickelodeon Family Suites Resort and SEAWORLD ORLANDO sent him on a trip of a lifetime. The young man was able to stay at Nickelodeon Family Suites Resort, attend the SpongeBob 4D launch, visit SeaWorld and go to a character breakfast! This meant the world to this youth in foster care. We are thankful for all who made this happen!
Dress for Success Assists Women Seeking Employment
Dress for Success, provides work clothes, shoes, accessories and purses to women who work and need clothing assistance to women who have interviews set or currently working and need professional attire. Their mission is to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire to help them thrive in the work place. Each client works one on one with a trained volunteer personal shopper who helps her select professional attire. The client also receives support and encouragement as she prepares for upcoming interviews. Each client receives a suit, cosmetics, footwear and accessories. Learn more at dressforsuccess.org
Boy Scouts Make Over a Home in Hillsborough County
Jimmy Holdgrafer, an Eagle Scout from Boy Scout Troop #110, along with other Boy Scouts in the area participated in The Eagle Scout Project. The project was completed after 20 Boy Scouts and parents worked on the home for five hours. This project included painting, installing adequate storage racks and plastic bins, sorting and organizing the donated clothing, toys, and supplies, and returning the items to the rooms in a neat organized manner that would be easy to maintain for the home owner. Jimmy worked with Girl Scout Troop #421 to provide some artwork for the home.
Florida State Parks Foster Family Fun
Florida State Parks has partnered with the Department of Children and Families and its community based care agencies to celebrate Florida's Foster families. Florida's States Parks is donating 15,000 One Day Passes to foster families across Florida. These passes will allow free admission to most of Florida's 160 state parks for one vehicle, up to eight people. Learn more about Florida's state parks at floridastateparks.org
Taylor's Closet Provides a Designer Shopping Experience
Taylor's Closet, the brainchild of 21 year old Lindsay Giambattista, is a beautiful boutique full of brand-new designer clothing exclusively for girls in foster care. At risk girls as well as those in foster care can shop once a month with a personal shopper, and pick out three trendy and hip clothing items absolutely free. But that is just the beginning. The shopping gets them there, and then this faith-based organization provides groups for the girls to help them heal from trauma's they may have experienced, learn life-skills, and improve self-esteem. In addition, along their journey they develop connections with caring adults who help them grow spiritually.
A Young Woman's Holiday Wish Comes True
The Holidays were extra special this year for a young family in Broward County. A young woman that aged out of foster care is raising her two year old son along with her 17 year old brother, who she adopted. Working as a hairdresser, this mom struggled to get to work, to child care, and to get her brother to school without reliable transportation. With the help of Wal-Mart, Best Foot Forward and Off Lease Only this hardworking mother now has a car of her very own. Walmart also donated a car seat for her young son "This will really change my life, starting today", said the young mother. See the video here.
