Upcoming gala to benefit foster care organization

More than 13,050 children are in foster care across Missouri, waiting to be paired with their forever home.

Those children will be celebrated Nov. 2 at the Central Missouri Foster Care & Adoption Association's ninth annual Forget Me Not Gala co-sponsored by Scholastic Inc.

Themed "Bringing the Joy Back to Childhood," the gala will bring together child advocates from across Mid-Missouri to help raise funds for the agency's programs geared toward supporting foster and adoptive children and families. The gala starts at 5:30 p.m. at Capitol Plaza Hotel in Jefferson City.

Through programs like Begin Again Backpack, Professional In-Training Service Training, Transitions Program, Youth Speak Out, Respite Exchange and more, CMFCAA provides support free of charge to those with whom they work.

"We are excited to bring the theme of joy to the forefront. It's the joy that creates the most colorful memories, and we want our children to know that we wish them all the joy in the world," CMFCAA CEO and President DeAnna Alonso said.

Missouri first lady Sheena Greitens will be a guest speaker at the gala, illustrating her ongoing support of CMFCAA's efforts. During the legislative session, Gov. Eric Greitens signed a bill to enhance child protection laws across the state, outlining the Foster Care Bill of Rights.

Elizabeth Hunter, writer and founder of Foster Noise/Adopt Peace Forum, also will be a guest speaker at the event, sharing her experience in foster care for seven years before being paired with her forever family.

"Our first lady, Dr. Sheena Greitens, has moved the needle in a positive way for our most vulnerable children, and we are so thankful for her service," Alonso said. "In addition, Elizabeth Hunter's story of foster care is one of overcoming incredible odds that will inspire and ignite the sense of urgency to serve our most vulnerable population."

Guests will enjoy live music, a three-course meal, and live and silent auctions.

In addition, the event will feature the Heart Gallery of Missouri exhibition of photographs of foster children awaiting adoption.

The ticket price for the evening is $40 per person and $70 per a couple. Sponsorship opportunities are still available.

For more information, visit ccfosteradopt.com/forgetmenotgala. To purchase tickets or become a sponsor, call 573-298-0258.