Hip Hop Pioneer Darryl McDaniels of the Legendary Rap Group Run-DMC Announces Partnership with Children’s Aid and Family Services

“DMC” to headline public awareness campaign of adoption and foster care for the Paramus-based nonprofit human services organization

On Monday, May 12, 2008, Children’s Aid and Family Services hosted a press conference to announce that Darryl “DMC” McDaniels of the legendary rap group, Run-DMC would be partnering with the agency to raise awareness of foster care and adoption issues and needs in the state of New Jersey. McDaniels hopes that his high profile will give a voice to the thousands of children currently in the foster care/adoption system in New Jersey, while promoting the concept that “It’s Cool to Care.”

Since McDaniels discovered in 2000 that he was adopted, he has been a strong advocate for the cause, receiving a Congressional “Angels in Adoption Award” for his work. McDaniels will be featured on the agency web site, video and radio PSAs, and billboards throughout northern New Jersey, urging people to find out how they can make a difference in an adoptive or foster child’s life. Moreover, he will be making visits to the agency’s group homes to speak with the children, listen to their concerns, and act as a role model for the boys and girls awaiting adoptive or foster families or to be reunited with members of their birth families.

“We are so excited and honored that Darryl will be working with us to help bring awareness to children currently in foster care, available for adoption, and those aging out of foster care,” said Bob Jones, PhD, President & CEO of Children’s Aid and Family Services.

“When I saw what the agency has done in the past and continues to do for families, I was flattered when they asked for my help. I said: ‘What do you need me for?’” stated McDaniels. “DMC means ‘Darryl McDaniels’, but now it also stands for my new mission -- ‘Deliver My Children.’”

To view news clips from the press conference and photos of children awaiting adoption, visit the Children’s Aid and Family Services website at www.cafsnj.org.

Become Involved in Making a Difference This Month
for Children in Foster Care

This month marks National Foster Care Month. During the entire month of May, Children’s Aid and Family Services will be organizing opportunities for communities, organizations and companies to become involved in assisting children in the foster care system in the state of New Jersey, families in need, and the everyday heroes that strive to support them.

On Saturday May 17 at 8am, 1pm and 11:30pm and Sunday May 18 at 6am, 8am and 1pm, representatives from Children’s Aid and Family Services will be interviewed by Della Crews of News 12 NJ for the show “Spotlight New Jersey”(Check your local cable listings for channel info). Bob Jones, PhD, President & CEO of Children’s Aid and Family Services, Rose Zeltzer, Senior Vice President of Children’s Aid and Family Services, and Anne Oros and Mya Martinez, devoted foster parents and agency advocates, will be informing viewers about National Foster Care Month and the various ways that they can help a child in need.

Starting on May 12, 2008, 17 Starbucks locations in Bergen County will be collaborating with Children’s Aid and Family Services by holding a Baby Basics Drive. For two weeks, baskets will be placed in select stores to collect donated baby essentials from Bergen County residents and Starbucks patrons. The Drive will benefit needy families in communities throughout Bergen County by providing them with diapers and other hygiene essentials for babies.

Items to be collected include diapers, baby wipes, baby shampoo/wash, bibs, bottles and other infant toiletries. Interested parties may also contribute cash donations to sponsor a baby; a donation of $71 is enough to purchase one week’s supply of diapers and formula.

To see a list of the Starbucks locations that will be holding the Drive in their stores, visit www.cafsnj.org.

On May 15, 2008, Children’s Aid and Family Services will be holding their Annual Volunteer Appreciation event; the agency will thank all of its volunteers for their participation and formally honor selected volunteers who have "gone above and beyond" on behalf of the agency. The agency will acknowledge the people who make a difference in the lives of foster children: foster parents, mentors and the many other individual and corporate volunteers who work with the children each day.

To discover some of the many ways that you or your company can help to make a difference in the life of a child, visit www.cafsnj.org.

The Barclays of the 2008 PGA Golf Tour Supports
Families in Need and You Can Too!

On April 24, 2008, Mayor James Tedesco officially welcomed the Barclays and the PGA TOUR to the city of Paramus, N.J. and Ridgewood Country Club for the 2008 Barclays at a press conference. 2008 PGA Tournament and Barclays officials announced that Children’s Aid & Family Services, Inc will be one of the main beneficiaries of proceeds from this year's event. The Barclays are one of the premier events on the PGA TOUR schedule and the first of four events in the PGA TOUR Playoff for the FedExCup, scheduled for Aug. 18-24.

As part of the partnership with the PGA Tour, the agency has committed to assisting with the recruitment of a large number of volunteers for the event. Volunteers will be able to meet the top 144 professional golf players in the world.

Volunteer assignments are on a first come, first served basis and all volunteer applications must be received by Children's Aid and Family Services by June 5, 2008. For an application form and to view volunteer opportunities and requirements, click here or visit www.cafsnj.org.

If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities with The Barclays or to buy tournament tickets, please contact the tour directly at 1-800-765-4742. Please also reference Children's Aid and Family Services as your affiliation.

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