WHAT: A series of events to heighten awareness of National Foster Care Month will occur in May at the foot of the Space Needle at the Seattle Center, with May 2nd representing the U.S. kick-off event.
National Foster Care Month is designed to highlight issues surrounding the 518,000 youth experiencing foster care across the country and to help honor and recognize the many caring individuals and organizations that work year-round on their behalf.
WHO: Casey Family Programs and the Space Needle Corporation
U.S. KICK-OFF EVENT:
Tuesday, May 2, 2006.
Press event begins at 10:30 a.m., with luncheon to follow.
Key speakers include:
- Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels
- Casey Family Programs President and CEO, William C. Bell
- Michael Piraino, CEO of the National Court Appointed Special Advocate Association (CASA)
There will be proclamations from both the City and the State, with Mayor Greg Nickels officially dedicating a 48-foot-long banner that will be displayed on the landmark Space Needle during the month of May.
ADDITIONAL EVENTS IN MAY:
Saturday, May 6, 2006. Noon - 5 p.m., at the foot of the Space Needle.
Join Casey Family Programs in celebrating 40 years of fostering families and fostering change. Event to focus on Foster Parent Recruitment with guest speaker Regina Louise, foster care alumna and author of Somebody’s Someone. Celebrate Casey Family Programs’ 40th anniversary with cake and ice cream, and meet members of the Seattle Storm.
Saturday, May 13, 2006. Noon – 5 p.m., at the foot of the Space Needle.
Event to focus on youth transitioning from care. Employment, education and housing information will be available. Presentations by award-winning musician Kashif, fashion industry leader Tony Shellman, and author and inspirational speaker Josh Shipp.
Saturday, May 20, 2006. Noon – 5 p.m., at the foot of the Space Needle.
Learn how each of us can make a difference in the lives of children in foster care. Appearance by Keith Bulluck, All-Pro Linebacker of the Tennessee Titans, founder of the Believe and Achieve Foundation, and foster care alumni.