Fall for Orphans Festival

Today BAANK participated in Harvest Christian Life Center's first annual Fall for Orphans Festival in Englewood, FL to mark the beginning of Adoption Awareness Month this November. Hosted by the adoption assistance organization Angels Appear, a number of organizations and vendors were present, including Safe Children Coalition, Bethany Christian Services, Thirty-One, and Tastefully Simple.

BAANK's table. Behind us is a van selling gumbo!

The event, hosted by Maggie Shaw of Angels Appear, featured BINGO games with jewelry prizes, and an apple pie and cake making contest.

Playing BINGO at the main tent

For the kids, there were games and animals, all with a fall flair.

Maggie Shaw (left) showing the little boy how to pet the horse

This sweet, tail-wagging baby goat Tiberius was quite possibly the cutest goat in the 12th District. Wouldn't you say so?

He loves the horse...

...and he loves food!

We met some friends and partners there as well—people with the same heart for kids and families as us. It's a blessing to be able to work together with these wonderful people!

Jill Steiner with the Safe Children Coalition

Angels Appear

Thank you, Maggie, for hosting the event. We look forward to next year.

Have you ever thought about adopting? The Florida Department of Children and Families is looking to recruit 1,200 foster parents this year to meet the needs of kids in our state. Adopting through foster care is one way to adopt, and it has the benefit of meeting the immediate needs of the kids.

If you're thinking about fostering or adopting a child, resources like Angels Appear and Bethany Christian Services are there to help you. Maggie, who spoke of her adoption experience at the event, says don't give up because you think it's too daunting and definitely don't go at it alone—seek assistance from these organizations that know the legal details and want to help.