This year’s Allies in Adoption Family Picnic and Fundraiser was attended by over 45 adoptive families from all over Long Island. The day started with our volunteer committee, Allies in Adoption, setting up for this fabulous event with decorations, raffle baskets , entertainment, and food stations.
For the second year, the day included the much loved Mad Science performance called “Spin, Bop, Boom” which was entertaining for children of all ages – and the adults loved it too. This interactive show was fast paced, high energy and exciting. It combined a little bit of magic with a lot of science to generate an explosion or two and a bunch of fun for all.
The DJ provided ongoing activities, music and entertainment throughout the day including dance lessons, hula hoops, parachute, and the hysterical, “Stuff It” contest. The ever favorite parachute activity was even more fun with the help of Lisa Cristiansen who added a new twist to this popular game.
The excitement continued with the raffle prizes which included an Ipad Mini, “Dinner on the Gold Coast” restaurant gift certificates, and a designer jewelry set. A table full of raffle baskets brought more excitement for the children who enjoyed winning baskets filled with awesome items including Halloween costumes, basket full 
of candy, a toy chest, and “Princess Slumber Party”.
Thanks to the gracious effort of our Allies in Adoption Committee, especially Judy Flynn, Sherry Chin-Anderson and Bruny Derby. Their extra effort helped us raise over $6,000 in donations thorugh sponsorship and raffle sales. The money raised will support our Beyond the Placement Program. Beyond the Placement helps provide workshops and support for families and young adult adoptees long after the formal adoption is over. It also provides grants to families who are seeking to adopt a waiting child. This program will help assure successful adoptions for the years to come.
We would also like to thank our other committee members Kristina Holtzweiss, Claire Kabot, Maureen Reichardt, Lisa Christiansen, and Board Members Joan Lazarus, Patty Hawxhurst and Don Peterson, for the hours in meetings and planning that made the picnic so much fun.
We are already starting to think about how we can make the picnic even better next year, so stay tuned! Our next event, the Holiday Party, is December 6 at Windows on the Lake in Lake Ronkonkoma, NY. Details to follow.
FRIENDS OF NEW BEGINNINGS
MANY THANKS TO OUR GENEROUS DONORS WHO HELPED SUPPORT OUR
FAMILY PICNIC AND FUTURE EVENTS WITH RAFFLE PRIZES OR DONATIONS.
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- Rich and Massond Alavi Rezvani
- Applebees
- B.K. Sweeney’s Uptown Grille
- Bagel Boss
- Boars Head
- Marguerite and Joseph Carroll, in honor of Martin and Julia
- Cakes by Liz
- Michele and Scott Caruana
- Robert and Jennifer Coffmen
- Gerard and Deborah Competello
- Ms. Carrie Corbin in honor of Samantha
- Cradle of Aviation Museum
- Domenico’s Restaurant
- Liz and John Ficco
- Framing Productions
- Mr. and Mrs. Francis Gacoich
- The Gourmet Bake Shop, Inc.
- Margaret and Scott Hanover
- Joe’s Pub, New York, NY
- Kathleen Ross Kleinman
- Joan Lazarus
- Long Island Ducks
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- Martha Clara Vineyards
- Metro Candy
- Christopher and Gilda McCormack
- Mill River Country Club
- Mr. and Mrs. David Mittler
- New York Giants
- New York Hall of Science
- New York Jets
- Olive Garden
- Panera Bread
- Precious Kids Country Daycare
- Restaurant.com
- Mr. William Roth
- Rubie Costumes
- Gary and Mary Snyder
- Statue Cruises, LLC
- Top of the Rock
- Train for the Game
- The Walt Disney Corporation
- Tulip Sweet Shoppe
- Elizabeth Westermann
- William G. Salon
- Wood Kingdom
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Special Thanks to our Sponsors, Organizers and Grand Raffle Donors:
Allies in Adoption
Anonymous, Grand Raffle Donor
Gary and Linda Brown, Sponsor
Chef Tom Schaudel – Jewel and A Mano Restaurants, Grand Raffle Donor
Sherry Chin-Anderson, Sponsor and Organizer
Lisa Christiansen, Sponsor and Organizer
Kevin and Teri Crowley, Sponsor
Frand and Susan Davis, Sponsor
Judy Flynn, in honor of Luke and Barbara, Sponsor and Organizing Chairperson
Theodore and Mary Gawlicki, in honor of Emily and Matt, Food Sponsor
Kenway Construction, Mad Science Sponsor
Daniel and Francoise Levinson, in honor of Remi Tai, Bounce Houses Sponsor
Scott Marshall Jewelers, Syosset, NY, Grand Raffle Donor
Michael and Melissa Smocer, D.J. Sponsor
Long Island Marriott
Steven and Anne Marie Saunders, Sponsor
Walt Disney World
Our Sincere Thanks and Gratitude,
Tim Sutfin, Executive Director