To raise money for Adopt America Network to help place more of the 129,000 children waiting in the U.S. foster care system, with loving, forever, adoptive families.

In its 22 year history, the Dinner Auction has netted over $2.3 million to provide permanent, loving homes for more than 664 children!

There are 129,000 children in the U.S. foster care system eligible to be adopted. On average they wait over three years and almost 27,000 ages out annually at 18 and are completely on their own. For them the statistics are grim. Many end up incarcerated (25%), homeless (20%), pregnant (60%), impoverished (56%) and on welfare (40%).

Adoption is the best solution – humane and fiscally sound. Every child deserves a loving family. Adoption gives children a second chance.

For more information about the need for adoption go to www.adoptamericanetwork.org

1. Identify 3-5 people to whom you want to send a letter.
2. Contact Brittany at development.intern@adoptamericanetwork.org or by calling 800-246-1731 to let her know to whom you are writing. She can answer questions, send you a sample letter, etc.
3. Write your letter.
   • Include some of the information above as to why you are writing.
   • Make your request for a donated item clear. If appropriate, ask them to sign the item or provide proof that it is coming from them.
   • Tell them if you are adopted or an adoptive parent and why this means so much to you – why you are helping AAN.
   • As to where you mail or email your letter, you can find the contact information through your public library, on the Internet, or email/call Brittany (see below) for help.
4. Ask the celebrity person to send their donated item to: Adopt America Network 1500 N. Superior St., Ste. 303 Toledo, Ohio 43604 AAN will send you the original letter it receives along with a picture of the item the celebrity gave. In addition, AAN will recognize in its newsletter and on the website the items received, who sent them, and who wrote the letter requesting them.
5. Mail or email your letter!

Hi, my name is Brittany!

I was adopted through AAN in 1991. This fall I will be attending the University of Toledo’s College of Business on a full scholarship. I am interested in sports marketing.

This summer, I am volunteering at AAN to encourage others to help support AAN. Raising money through the auction will help other children be adopted into their own loving family – one just like mine!

I think that writing letters to celebrities for auction items is a fun and an exciting way to help. Imagine getting a yes!!!!

Imagine getting back a letter and item and having the satisfaction of helping another child realize their dream of being adopted.

I hope you will join me and help the waiting children and Adopt America Network.

Contact Brittany: For help or information, email Brittany at development.intern@adoptamericanetwork.org