What happens when like-minded people come together for a night of great food and great fun in support of a great cause?
Great things, of course. And that’s exactly what happened this past Saturday, March 12th at the 2011 Nightlight Gala and Auction.
This year’s Gala was hosted at the elegant and comfortable Meridian Club in Fullerton, Calif. Over 160 people were in attendance, in addition to staff from all three of Nightlight’s offices, allowing families, supporters, board members and staff to celebrate together.
Highlighting the event were encouraging stories from three Nightlight families who have adopted internationally, domestically as well as through the Snowflakes Embryo Adoption program. These families shared stories of challenge but ultimate triumph in bringing their children home.
“It was so good to see how excited everyone was to be at the event, to meet new people and to see friends they hadn’t seen for a long time,” said Kate Zyubenko, Nightlight International Program Manager. “I was happy to see so many adopted children there, all of whom are doing just beautifully.”
Attendees were also able to bid on amazing auction items including a personalized copy of President George Bush’s memoir “Decision Points,” a ride in a World War II air plane, lunch and dance lessons with Miss California and many other fantastic items.
As always, the world famous “Teddy Bear Blitz” was a popular part of the 2011 festivities. Over 40 cute and cuddly bears were purchased by attendees, several of whom received an exciting surprise gift as a bonus.
All of the funds raised at the 2011 Gala will be applied to supporting Nightlight’s mission to care for the fatherless around the world.
In addition, the first annual Nightlight Achievement Awards were presented to several Nightlight adoptees who have made significant achievements in their personal or professional lives. These awards were clearly a big hit with everyone in attendance.
Nightlight would like to thank everyone who took part in this year’s Gala - from the attendees to the staff members and volunteers who made the event such a success. We truly could not do it without you and, more importantly, Nightlight couldn’t do the work we do without you either.
If you were unable to attend the 2011 Nightlight Gala and Auction, make sure you don’t miss out next March! Watch for announcements on the 2012 Gala at the end of this year.
Again, thank you for your continued support and involvement in the work of Nightlight Christian Adoptions. We are blessed to have you as a part of our family.