Monday, April 19, 2010

Parenthood for me 1st annual fundraiser

Never having been to a fundraiser before I was in AWE of it all.

Parenthood for me    is a 'not for profit' organization founded by a pretty amazing couple.  It's basically for (as taken from their site) "Providing financial and emotional assistance, along with educational tools for those starting families through adoption and medical intervention".
I'm not sure whether I comment on the way the fundraiser was ran and presented from start to finish, the speakers who completely blew me away or the couple who took their battle and turned it into a way to help others.
I think many of us take for granted the simplicity of fertility.  As young girls, most of us, have our wedding days planned, dream of who we want to be when we grow up and count out and name each of our children.  What happens when we live out our dream weddings, work in our anticipated careers and then find out there's difficulty in having children?  What if the possibility of having biological children is never even there?  I felt so blessed to among these people.  Some of them strong willed couples who have taken the off beaten path and climbed over mountains to fulfill their dreams of having children.  A Dr. who unselfishly provides fertility treatments at such a low cost in our society that clings to wealth.  An author who spoke whole heartedly about her questions of wonder.  (Check out her book "What I Want My Adopted Child to Know")

The fundraiser was held at the Rochester Yacht Club



Many amazing people donated their goods for the silent auction.  I was thrilled the highest bidder on a Heather Cicione Photography Gift Certificate was an old friend from school.  That will be such a fun session.


Sponsors featured on every table.  Flowers donated by the AMAZING Flower Power Decor


The founders of Parenthood For Me, Erica Walther Schlaefer and her husband AJ Schlaefer. Dr. Kiltz founder of CNY fertility in Rochester, Syracuse and Albany.


Sally Bacchetta, freelance writer, author and founder of The Adoptive Parent.com



The board members of Parenthood For Me


It was an honor to photograph such a meaningful night.  If you find yourselves in need of emotional, financial or educational support while trying to start your family, please visit the Parenthood For Me website.
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1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Thanks, Heather. You're awesome.