November Newslet ter 2010

Our Mission

Family Resource Center is

committed to helping

children around the world

through adoption.

In this Edition

Message from Director cover

Spring Gala 2010 2

FRC Family Picnic 2010 3

Note from Board President 4

Open House 4

Calendar of Events 5

Spring Gala 2011 5

FRC Welcomes 6

Auxiliary Board 7

Holiday Gifts 7

Holiday Toy Drive 8

You can find this edition of Small

Steps on our website

www.f-r-c.org/newsletters.php

Message from the Executive Director

Well into our third decade, I enjoy taking time to think about all the positive things

that have happened at FRC and how much I appreciate the support we have

received over the years. On the evening of Friday, November 12th FRC held its first

Appreciation Celebration in the historic rotunda of the Bridgeview Bank of Chicago

where FRC first opened its offices in 1988.

The evening, which included a wine and cheese reception, chocolate fondue

fountain, and hors d’ oeuvres, afforded FRC an opportunity to thank many friends

who have helped us through the years, and to provide an update on current programs and future plans.

More than 80 people including FRC staff and board, auxiliary board members, donors, friends, temporary

care providers, adoptive parents, birth parents, and young adoptees enjoyed casual conversations in a

relaxed and warm environment. Guests shared adoption experiences, how FRC had touched their lives,

and about what is currently happening in the field of adoption.

One of the most moving experiences of the evening was the presence of two very special individuals. We

were pleased to have with us, Cara, the first child FRC placed for adoption in 1989 and 11 day-old Evyn,

our most recent adoptee. To see the two of them with their loving parents touched everyone in the room

in a profound way. It highlighted how far we have come and how relevant our work still is today.

Over the years I have come to realize that

what has made FRC great is the collaboration

of our expanding circle of families and friends.

No single individual could have succeeded in

establishing FRC and now, as more and more

people find ways to support our efforts, we see

the tremendous contribution they are making.

All of us at Family Resource Center appreciate

your continued support and look forward to

future generations of FRC families.

by Richard Pearlman

“From one generation to the next”

From left to right: Chris, Christine, Cara, Evyn, Debbie and Jerry

FRC Board of Directors

Lawrence RosenzweigPresident

Debbie FrischVice President

Paul PartingtonTreasurer

Martin LindenbergerSecretary

Michael DrelicharzJames Dorociak

Linda EichornDavid FloodGary Gerber

Ronald E. KimmonsMark Mulert

Michael PleckiAllison ShankKathy Wolf

FRC Staff

Richard PearlmanExecutive Director

Jane TurnerAssociate Director

Angela BartleSusan Braithwaite

Pam BrownAmy EmerzianJenelle Harden

Misty JovanovichRobin Kidd

Kyle Colerider-KrughMary Larkin

Marilyn LindemanLinda MarderGail McGraw

Kathy MosesianJoan ReardonMichelle SetkaLeslie Wright

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Spring Gala 2010On Saturday, April 17, Family Resource Center held its 21st annual Spring Gala and Dinner Dance at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare in Rosemont. The Gala Chairs were Kevin and Diane Foote of Chicago. Over 300 attendees were on hand to support FRC including adoptive families, adoptees, birth parents, and others. This year’s Gala recognized 15 years of FRC’s China Adoption Program and honored FRC China Travelers: staff and volunteers who, since 1995, have travelled with families to China to help them through the process of adopting their children and bringing them home. Popular WTTW host and producer Geoffrey Baer, whose family has a daughter adopted from China, was the Master of Ceremonies.

The entertainment part of the evening’s program started with a traditional Chinese Red Handkerchief dance performed by dancers from the Chinese American Service League. Many of the dancers were adopted from China including three through FRC’s China Adoption Program. The program for the evening continued with presentations by young women who were some of the original babies adopted by FRC families. Several spoke eloquently about what having been adopted internationally has meant to them. Certificates of appreciation were presented to FRC China Travelers.

The program concluded with a spirited live auction and raffle drawing worth $5000! Over $113,000 was raised at this year’s event bringing the total since 2005 to over $600,000. These funds enable FRC to support children and families through adoption.

Theresa Costa from Precious Portraits by Theresa was on hand to capture the event. She generously donated her time and services. Visit Theresa’s website at thereacosta.com.

The 2011 Spring Gala will be held on Saturday, May 14th, 2011 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare.

Gala Sponsors0Thanks to our generous 2010 sponsors

Angel Sponsors:

David & Julie Flood

Lawrence Rosenzweig & Cynthia Wong

Diamond Sponsor:

Kevin & Diane Foote

Platinum Sponsors:

William & Kimberly Filan

Sydney & Debbie Frisch

Marty Lindenberger & Arlene Wallace

Mark & Lee Mulert

Paul & Joann Partington

Richard & Cathy Pearlman

Gold Sponsors:

Maury & Ora Aaron

Knudsen Construction, Inc.

Richard Porter & Lydia Marti

Weber-Stephen Products Co.

Emily Sachs Wong, Koenig & Strey

Arthur & Elaine Wong

Silver Sponsors:

Bridgeview Bank Group

Cornerstone National Bank & Trust Co.

James & Christine Dorociak

Farmers Insurance

Kroeschell, Inc.

Len & Debbie Mahler

Nick Savramis and Debra Klassman

TW Insurance Group

Bronze Sponsors:

Ballard, Desai & Miller

Jon Barth & Jane TurnerPaul & Amy Carbone

Linda L. Eichorn

First Nonprofit Insurance Agency

James R. Gillespie,

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney

Austin Hirsch & Beth Gomberg Hirsch

Kevin & Ann Van Eron

Warady & Davis LLP

FRC Family Picnic Recap!On Saturday, September 11th, Family Resource Center (FRC) celebrated its 21st Annual Family Picnic! More than 350 friends of FRC gathered at Busse Woods ForestPreserve in Elk Grove Village to enjoy a day of great food, and fun activities for the kids. Pony rides, petting zoo, bounce houses, giant slide, face and hand-painting and a visit from Clifford, the Big Red Dog, were just some of the afternoon’s highlights. This year, kids enjoyed several new activities, including carnival games and Under the Sea Moon Crawler.

The picnic continues to be a popular annual event for many in the FRC community, and it is always wonderful to see people reconnect with each other and with FRC staff. Kids large and small went home exhausted but happy, full of ice cream, cotton candy and memories of a wonderful day.

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AdLib Marketing

AirTran Airways

Alithea Jewelers New York

Children’s Research Triangle

Cooper’s Hawk

Costco

DiSitter Carpet and Flooring

Dominick’s

Flood Brothers Disposal

Frito Lays

Gethsemane Garden Center

Jewel

JY Design

Kathleen Hogan Morrison

Kelly Scott & Madison

Klujian Carpets

Marc Harris Photography

Michael Rafayko

Production Services

North American

PepsiCo

Rainforest Café

Sam’s Club

Theresa Costa Portraits

The Melting Pot

Walt Disney World

Whole Foods

Windy City Catering

In addition to our Spring Gala Sponsors, FRC gratefully acknowledges the following that have supported us throughout this year:

Notes from FRC’s Board President

FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER OPEN HOUSEJanuary 30, 2011 – Noon to 4:00 PM

Family Resource Center – Open House | Stop by and meet FRC Staff, Board and Volunteers

Join us for great pizza, beverages and dessert. Once again, there will be a grab bag for children, art activities, games, face painting and a chance to look around. This is an opportunity to introduce

your children to FRC, initiate a discussion about adoption, to hear about upcoming activities and network with other FRC families. We are looking for some FRC young people (ages 13-18) who need

service credit hours for school to help that day.

To help us with ordering food and supplies an RSVP will be appreciated. Please call 773-334-2300 during working hours or, email, abartle@f-r-c.org and place “Open House” in the subject line. We hope you can join us!

FRC recently completed another productive

year of “Helping Children Around the World

Through Adoption.” We have been busy at

the board level monitoring current trends in

adoption and planning for FRC’s future. We

have several new directors who are already

making a positive impact to our board. I

would like to introduce you to Bill, Kathy, and

Allison who were elected to the board of

directors at our board meeting in June.

Bill Filan and his wife Kimberly have a handsome son adopted through

the FRC domestic program. Bill’s background is in Public Policy both

as a practitioner and as a professor. Bill advises public and private

companies in strategic planning, crisis management and public affairs.

Bill’s experience and extensive contacts make him a great addition to

our board.

Kathy Wolf and her husband Charlie have a beautiful daughter who

they adopted through the FRC domestic program. They also have a

son who enjoys being a big brother! Before taking time off to be a full-

time parent, Kathy owned and operated a company that represented

photographers and support personnel in the fashion industry. She found

talent, negotiated contracts, and did total booking of everything that

went into a job. She has first-hand experience of everything it takes to

run a successful business and a keen eye for detail. Her ability to see the

big picture while still attending to detail will be a great help.

Allison Shank, a recently retired corporate attorney, joins us on the board

with lots of legal experience, energy, and a love for FRC. 12 Years ago

Allison adopted her daughter through FRC’s China Program. In addition

to her past life as a corporate attorney with experience in intellectual

property law, Allison has become an expert in attending gymnastic

events. You could say she is a “Gymnast Mom!” Does that sound familiar

to you; it sure does to me! Allison has already helped out as we move

forward with branding FRC and making our services known to a wider

variety of the public.

The Board of Directors, staff, and FRC community extend a warm

welcome to our newest directors!

My favorite FRC event, the FRC Family Picnic, took place on my birthday

this year. The weather cleared just in time so we all had lots of fun. We

had a great turnout. Some of you may have met my kids who were

there. Molly (15) and Leah (13) were at the face-painting table using

their artistic skills to create ever more interesting designs for the little faces.

Maybe they worked on one of your kids! And did anyone notice a “BIG

RED DOG?” That was my other 13 year-old, Sofie. Anna (17) missed

her first picnic in years due to a scheduling conflict with the SAT. All of

my girls enjoyed entertaining the little kids who were having a great time.

Our FRC Family is developing a wonderful model at the picnic. We have

families with new additions, families with growing kids, and families with

teens who are interested in giving something back to the community. In

addition to my kids, there were many other teens that helped with the fun

attractions like the Moon Walk and Tunnel Crawl and, no I didn’t go into

either. Several helped out manning games at our new “Arcade Row”

which was a great hit with the kids. Everybody was a winner. We had

some excellent cotton candy spinners, raffle ticket sellers, and game

organizers. Ideas for next year’s event are always welcome as are more

volunteers. If you or your teen would like to help next year contact

Angela Bartle in the FRC office.

I love and appreciate seeing how many children we unite with forever

families. Seeing happy babies and little kids with their families is the

reward I get for being on the board.

There are several upcoming events you should be aware of. We will be

repeating our successful FRC Open House in January and hope to see

many of you there. And remember to join us for a fun time at the Spring

Gala which will be on May 14, 2011.

Please consider FRC when you are making decisions on your charitable

giving this season. I encourage you to join me and my fellow directors

in our commitment to support Family Resource Center and its work on

behalf of children and families.

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by Larry Rosenzweig

FRC Calendar December 2010 - March 2011December 2010n Toys for Tots - Donation Deadline 12/03/10

n Pre-Natal Substance Exposure 12/07/10 7:00 to 9:00pm

n Domestic Program Introduction Meeting 12/08/10 7:00 to 9:00pm

January 2011n Strong Volunteers Needed @ FRC Office! Help move Friday, Jan. 7th & 14th 5:00 to 8:00pm

furniture so we can replace the 18 yr. old carpet! Saturday, Jan 8th & 15th 9:00 to 4:00pm

n Domestic Program Introduction Meeting 1/19/11 7:00 to 9:00pm

n Marketing 101: Adoptive Parent Outreach 1/23/11 1:30 to 3:30pm

n Understanding Adoption 1/26/11 7:00 to 9:00pm

n Open House at FRC 1/30/11 12:00 to 4:00pm

February 2011n Family at its Best: Reflections on Optimal Family Functioning 2/3/11 7:00 to 9:00pm

n Race and Adoption 2/6/11 1:30 to 3:30pm

n Domestic Program Introduction Meeting 2/16/11 7:00 to 9:00pm

n Mature Young Adoptees Open House (age 15 and up) 2/26/11 4:00 to 8:00pm

n Talking to Children about Adoption 2/27/11 1:30 to 3:30pm

March 2011

n Understanding Grief and Loss 3/09/11 7:00 to 9:00pm

n Domestic Program Introduction Meeting 3/16/11 7:00 to 9:00pm

n Talking about Adoption - 3/19/11 2:30 to 4:30pm A tandem course for parents and children (ages 8-12)

n Kite Flying Day – Weather Permitting Montrose Harbor 3/27/11 1:00 to 4:00pm

Save The Date! FRC’s Annual Spring GalaSaturday, May 14th, 2011

Plans for our 22nd are underway! We will be returning to the Hyatt Regency O’Hare.

Back by Special Demand!The auction committee has begun working on creating another special video presentation for the Spring Gala. You can participate by mailing or email updated photographs of your children to Angela’s attention at FRC. Please be sure to include your name, your child’s name(s) and contact information. Contributed photos will not be returned.

It is not too late to help! Please participate – join a committee – your help will be appreciated!

For information please contact FRC’s Angela Bartle: (773) 334-2300 or by email at abartle@f-r-c.org.

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Spring Gala 2011

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Paul & Paula Katherine

Paul & Paula Mark

Paul & Paula Maria

Bruce & Esther Elijah

Craig & Maureen Mei

Mark & April Christopher

Mark & April Nickolas

Michael & Dawn Daniella

Daniel & Rosanna Madelyn

Jonathan & Helen Anya

Raymond & Donna William

Wilbert & Janet Luke

Paul & Lynn Keira

Casey & Melissa Vance

Anthony & Karen Hailey

Donna Louisa

Elizabeth Sara

Lee & Jill Vivian

Jon & Sonali Dayani

Robert & Frederique Noah

Joseph & Theresa Mary

Paul & Rebecca Esther

Michael & Dana Marlena

Christopher & Riva Isaac

Wendy Emma

James & Sheila Andrew

Alfred & Christine Lemlem

Matthew & Timothy Joseph

Kevin & Brandy Bennett

Paul & Irena Christian

John & Molly Theodore

Matthew & Angela Lucia

Matthew & Tamara Bereket

Dominic & Patricia Isabella

Duane & Terry Jonah

Romeo & Rebecca Gabriel

Alejandro & Emily Alejandra

Evan & Robyn Lucinda

Scott & Kelly Emily

Pamela & Paul Rikki

Kyle & Renee Anaya

Matthew & Terri Tesla

Grant & Alan Sienna

Daniel & Cynthia Joseph

Pagoundi & Akouavi Essivi

Pagoundi & Akouavi Akouvi

Joshua & Judith Isabel

Paul & Jennifer Max

Khaldoun & Luciana Anakaterina

Christopher & Christine Evyn

Dominique & Melissa Nicholas

Jeffrey & Jennifer Daniel

Paul & Meaghan Brady

Jeffrey & Patricia Matthias

Brian & Junko Sho

Matthew & Nora John

Kevin & Courtney Iris

Rolf & Jennifer Sawyer

Rick & Megan Arabella

Haukur & Jennifer Drake

Robert & Michelle Simone

Christopher & Prabha Neena

Bryan & Rosemary James

Daniel & Corrine Lillian

Amy & Wendy Makenna

David & Jessica Hugo

Kenny & Gloria Kristina

Kenny & Gloria John

John & Margaret Ryan

John & Margaret Kiera

Edward & Jeanine Nora

Brent & Nancy Caleb

Michael & Kristine Jackson

John & Elizabeth Catherine

Charlie & Fran Bokai

Erwin & Nancy Gus

Alecia Wyatt

Shawn & Cheryl Riley

Joshua & Judith Isabel

Doug & Heather Tatiana

Doug & Heather Isabelle

Henry & Anika Najeri

Richard & Julie Lola

Daniel & Cynthia Joseph

Chris & Christine Evyn

Dave & Patti Dylan

Bradley & Sara Oliver

Matthew & Amy Maxwell

Rollins & Ann-Marie Tuck

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Phone Team Volunteers

Angela BartlePhone Team Coordinator

Sandy AndersonAndi Blaylock

Colleen BuckleyPamela Brown

Susan BraithwaiteAnita Cannella

Catherine ConleyElizabeth Dietz

Katie DoughertyCarrie & Dan Duran

Cheryl & Shawn DunnettMichelle GlickJenelle Harden

Adeline and Steve HenkeJoe Kent

Diana & Andy LihositTudy Magnuson

Linda MarderCarolyn MasonKathy McCabe

Mark and Lee MulertMarianne & Steve Nemetz

Rob O’BrienRichard & Cathy Pearlman

Julie & Gary SpanglerJane Turner

Margaret & Mark WasielewskiLeslie Wright

Dawn & Ted Zemper

Temporary Foster Care Angel’s

Pamela BrownCharles and Kathy BrownTom and Vita Donovan

Sidney and Debbie FrischEd and Becky O’Connell

Bruce and Susan OsborneTom and Maripat Tropp

FRC Welcomes these Children and Families into our Community

FRC Creates Auxilary Board

Perfect Holiday Gifts!

FRC Holiday Greeting Cards!

On September 23, 2010, Family Resource Center created its first Auxiliary Board, welcoming 16 charter members.

FRC continues to be a progressive and positive voice in the field of adoption and the Auxiliary Board will enhance FRC’s ability to achieve our mission of Helping Children Around the World through Adoption. The men and women who make up this new board have rich and varied backgrounds and will play a central role in FRC’s important work. Initial areas of focus for the new board include fundraising support by assisting FRC staff in planning events such as the Spring Gala and Holiday Toy Drive, helping to develop new ventures using social networking, and creating youth fellowship and family educational programs.

We are grateful for these new volunteers whose commitment of time and talent will enable FRC to expand services to children and families in the future. A variety of exciting opportunities await. If you are interested in learning about how you can participate on the Auxiliary Board, or know someone who might have an interest, please contact Debbie Frisch, Auxiliary Board Chair at derbyfrisch@aol.com.

Share a joyful holiday greeting with family and friends when you send a FRC holiday card. Our holiday card, created by well known Chicago artist Tom Melvin, features a beautiful winter scene of FRC’s building complete with charming mural of children from around the world. Inside the card you will find a holiday greeting suitable for all

recipients. There is also a message on the back of the card describing FRC and telling of your support for adoption. Best of all, 100% of the proceeds from this card benefit FRC!

Packs of 25 cards and envelopes, costing just $20.00 each can be picked up at FRC during business hours. Add an additional $5.00 for priority shipping by USPS. Package usually ships within 2 days of purchase. Free shipping on orders over $60.00.

To order your cards today, please contact FRC’s Angela Bartle at (773) 334-2300 or email her at abartle@f-r-c.org

Family Resource Center has collaborated with Yianni Vardis, of Alithea Design-New York to create beautiful custom jewelry made especially for FRC. Each piece represents a child with two adults. We are excited to offer our supporters the opportunity to order silver pendants, cuff links, key chains, book marks, and charms incorporating this image.

Orders can be taken by calling FRC’s Angela Bartle at (773) 334-2300.

Sterling Silver Pendant w/ 16” sterling silver chain: $100 (please add $40 for engraving)

Sterling Silver Charm: $75

Sterling Silver Pin: $75

Sterling Silver Book marks: $75

Sterling Silver key chains: $90

Sterling Silver Cuff Links: $150 per set

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Auxiliary Board would like to hear from you!

Are you interested in connecting with other adoptive families? Would you like to be involved in a parent discussion group, children’s play group, adoption related book group, or other type of group centered on supporting you and your adopted child(ren)? The new FRC Auxiliary Board would love your input and involvement. Look for an email in the near future seeking your interests, needs and ideas. Please take the time to respond, all feedback is appreciated. In the meantime, please email Michelle Setka at msetka@f-r-c.org if you are interested in participating.

Debbie Frisch, ChairMary Evans, Vice ChairCate Maidlow, SecretaryJoann DiStefano Marion EvansGerry Gzesh Julie FloodLinda Franchi

Jen GoozeDebbie HermesJean MilewBetsy SteeleNancy Frank-ThomasYianni VardisTom WalshJustine Yarus

Join FRC’s Annual Holiday Toy Drive

For the eighth consecutive year, Family Resource Center is holding its annual Holiday Toy Drive.

Birth mothers who have placed children for adoption, or who are considering a placement, are often raising other children. Many are struggling to make ends meet, and do not have extra money for the holidays. When they call to say they have no money for toys, it is deeply gratifying for us to say we can help. Your generous donation provides these families with special gifts for their children. In many instances, this is the only gift a child will receive.

Please help us to bring holiday joy to more families this year by donating unwrapped new toys suitable for an infant or child up to the age of fifteen. Toys should be sent or delivered to FRC at 5828 North Clark Street in Chicago any time until December 9, 2010. Please label your package “FRC Toy Drive”.

In previous years several Target gift cards were donated - and greatly appreciated! They were used by our staff to purchase additional gifts when there were not enough gifts in certain age groups. Please consider giving gift cards, check or cash again this year. Phone Angela Bartle at FRC with any questions about this program: 773-334-2300.

Family Resource Center5828 North Clark StreetChicago, Illinois 60660(p) (773) 334.2300(f) (773) 334.8228adoption@f-r-c.orgwww.f-r-c.org