April 2011

  May is National Foster Care Month


Children's Aid and Family Services is spotlighting our need for loving and nurturing foster parents during National Foster Care Month. On Thursday, May 12, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., the agency is holding an open house for prospective foster parents at the YMCA of Montclair, Geyer Family YMCA, 159 Glenridge Avenue in Montclair, NJ. Then on Saturday, May 14, there will be a live talent showcase of the foster children in our care at the Lacordaire Academy, 155 Lorraine Avenue, Montclair, NJ. Call Christine at 201-226-0300 x223 to RSVP or for more information.

Other events this month include the annual Foster Mother's Luncheon, which is our way of saying "Happy Mother's Day" to the foster mothers who care for medically needy infants and toddlers, and the annual dinner for foster parents who care for older children.

We are also advertising the need for foster parents in newspapers, buses, billboards, diner placemats – in The Daily Treat, Hogan's and the Tick Tock Diner -- and online. Additionally, our family recruiters are participating in community events attended by families, as well as speaking at churches and community centers in Bergen and Essex Counties.

Now is a great time for you to get involved and help make a difference in the life of a foster child! To learn more about fostering, and/or inviting a speaker to your house of worship or community organization, please call our family recruiter at 201-226-0300 x242.


A Fun Time at "Love is All You Need"

            

(L to R) Anne Armstrong-Coben, M.D. and Bob Jones, President & CEO of the agency; Doris Hansmann and Bob Jones, President & CEO of the agency (photo © TimothyGlenn Photographers, Inc.)

Nearly 500 people attended Children's Aid and Family Services' eighth annual gala, "Love is All You Need," held at the Venetian in Garfield, NJ. Ridgewood residents Anne Armstrong-Coben, M.D. and Doris Hansmann were honored at the event.Guests were treated to a performance by Caledon, the world-renowned Scottish tenors, who performed a medley of traditional and popular hits wearing kilts.

                                           

                                                   

                                                 Caledon performing. (photo © TimothyGlenn Photographers, Inc.)

Additionally, the winner of the "Love" Emerald necklace raffle was picked by Arthur Groom and Doug Dittrick, chair of Children's Aid and Family Services' Honorary Board. Created especially for the gala by Arthur Groom & Co., the pear-shaped emerald surrounded by diamonds is 15 carats and is valued at $40,000. The winner, who wishes to remain anonymous, is delighted.
         
                                                        
                   

Auction Items and Sponsorship Needed

Sunday, June 5, 2011 is the 10th annual Todd Ouida Children's Foundation's birthday event. This family friendly event, from 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at River Dell High School, 55 Pyle Street in Oradell, NJ, will have bouncy rides, face painting, music and a silent auction. This year the Foundation is partnering with Children's Aid and Family Services to help us raise money for the new Medical Services & Advocacy Center.

We are seeking auction items and event sponsorships. If you'd like to get involved, please contact the Development Office at 201-261-2800. Event registration will be online soon at www.cafsnj.org.

The Todd Ouida Children's Foundation was established by Todd's parents to create a meaningful legacy for their son Todd, whose life was tragically ended in the September 11th terrorist attack on the World Trade Center.

Dance Marathon is Almost Here

The agency is hosting its first-ever dance marathon fundraising event on Saturday, April 30, 2011 from 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. at Bergen Community College, Paramus Road, Paramus. Professional Fitness Consultants of Paramus, AEP Industries, Otterstedt Insurance, Craig D. Grant – Merrill Lynch, United Water, Arthur Murray Dance Studios, Stryker, Berkeley College, The Shannon Rose Irish Pub, Access Self Storage and Jackie DeMeo-Zumba Fitness are sponsors.

                               To register or sponsor a dancer, visit www.dance4kids.kintera.org.

New Spring and Easter Merchandise at The Depot
 
Be sure to visit The Depot, where you'll find some exquisite spring décor and Easter holiday gifts! Located at 22 Prospect Street in Midland Park, NJ, The Depot features beautiful, one-of-a-kind merchandise for the home handmade by crafters and artisans, as well as a large selection of Vera Bradley handbags and accessories.

All proceeds benefit Children's Aid and Family Services. For more information, or to learn about volunteering, call 201-444-6120 or visit the store online at http://thedepot.cafsnj.org.

Children's Aid and Family Services has a 110-year history of helping vulnerable children and families. Our services include adoption, foster care, child care and early education, alcohol and drug abuse education and prevention, eldercare and community educational programs and workshops. There are so many ways for you to get involved and make a difference. Adopt. Foster. Donate. Volunteer. For more information, call 201.261.2800 or visit www.cafsnj.org.