Hundreds of volunteers gather on Mother's Day to show appreciation to over 2,000 Los Angeles foster parents and children
LOS ANGELES, April 26, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — Foster Care Counts, the non-profit organization founded by Jeanne Pritzker that's dedicated to raising awareness and serving the needs of foster youth and families in Los Angeles, will host its eighth annual Foster Mother's Day celebration on Sunday, May 8. Together with numerous community-based organizations that support Los Angeles' foster care system, Foster Care Counts is hosting over 2,000 foster youth and their families at a celebration designed to give back to foster parents who dedicate their lives to helping children. The annual event, held at The Willows Community School in Culver City, honors foster families with a day filled with fun, entertainment, food, relaxation and pampering. Foster Mother's Day is supported by numerous corporations in the community, including Banc of California, Disney|ABC Television Group, Jouer Cosmetics, Nestle, Paul Mitchell®, and Wolfgang Puck Catering. The day would not be possible without the contributions of 400 dedicated volunteers.
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"We started Foster Mother's Day eight years ago to honor and show our respect for the many foster parents who give selflessly of themselves every day," said Jeanne Pritzker, founder of Foster Care Counts. "We all share responsibility for children in foster care – in fact, I see these kids as all of our kids! Foster Mother's Day allows us to show our appreciation while bringing the community together in support of foster families."
"There is no one more deserving of recognition and our gratitude than the many Los Angeles County foster mothers and fathers who care for our most vulnerable children. This Mother's Day, for what has become a much anticipated event these past eight years, we are proud to partner with Foster Care Counts and the many organizations and volunteers who are treating these special parents to a special day," said Philip Browning, Director, Los Angeles County Department of Child and Family Services.
As Mother's Day recognizes the hard work of moms in all households, Foster Care Counts believes it is important to celebrate those parents who are helping to raise children who need alternative living situations. To accommodate as many guests as possible, Foster Care Counts is hosting two sessions, the first from 9:30am-12:00pm and the second from 1:00pm-3:30pm.
Director Philip Browning, US Congresswoman Karen Bass and LA County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas will be stopping by to say hello. Hayden Byerly ("Jude") from Freeform's critically acclaimed TV series "The Fosters" and VoluntEars from The Walt Disney Company will also take part in the day. The Kids' area will have carnival games, arts and crafts, magicians, balloon artists, and face painting. Young children can enjoy a special storytelling and activity area hosted by The Book Foundation, which will also be giving young readers books and backpacks to take home.
Visitors to the spa will enjoy hairstyling by Future Professionals from Paul Mitchell the School, Sherman Oaks and makeup provided by Jouer Cosmetics and each will receive a bag filled with products to take home. Wolfgang Puck Catering will provide a buffet lunch to all attendees, and Nestlé will provide drinks and confections. Family portraits, framed and decorated to preserve the memories of this day, will be offered to each guest. And the day wouldn't be possible without the exceptional support of event planner Tom Bercu Presents.
Foster Care Counts' mission is to improve the lives of youth in foster care and ensure they thrive. We partner with care and advocacy organizations to address the gaps in service and impediments to success and target ways to boost outcomes. Together, we ignite initiatives to empower foster youth, improve access to valuable resources, and incite change on their behalf.
If you are interested in joining us and becoming part of our community that is dedicated to making a difference in Los Angeles' foster care community, please visit http://fostercarecounts.org.
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Press Contact: Rita Hollingsworth/RMH Media
Email or (213)361-2736