Walden Family Services, a non-profit foster care and adoption agency, held its 14th annual Wine D’Vine fundraising event on October 13, 2017, raising nearly $850,000 to further the organization’s mission of providing care and support to foster children and families.
“We are so pleased by the community support we received for this year’s Wine D’Vine,” said Teresa Stivers, CEO of Walden Family Services. “Thanks to the generosity expressed by all those who attended, as well as our sponsors and donors, we far exceeded our goal and made this a record-breaking year. These proceeds will go a long way in helping us continue to be an advocate for San Diego’s foster youth.”
This year’s event was held at the Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine where over 350 guests enjoyed a 3-course dinner, wine from California’s leading vineyards and live auction, as well as an exclusive performance by guitarist and rock icon Peter Frampton.
San Diego philanthropists Mary Alice and Ron Brady were presented with the annual Walden Family Services Fostering Hearts Legacy Award for their financial support of and partnership with Walden over the last 10 years, including their Gr’mere’s I’mpossible Fund designated to purchase necessary items for children entering foster care.
Walden also spotlighted Joseph Burton, a former foster youth who overcame adversity and found a family and personal success with the help of Walden’s services.
The night also provided guests with an overview of Walden Family Services’ programs, including those that focus on the needs of children with developmental disabilities and special health care concerns. Walden’s scope of services also includes preparing youth to successfully transition from foster care to adulthood, and support to parents to help end the cycle of child abuse. Virtually all children in foster care have suffered abuse or neglect.
Walden Family Services provides foster and adoptive homes to many children including those with developmental disabilities and special health care needs and prepares and supports youth to successfully transition from foster care to adulthood.
The event chairs were Caroline and Nicolas Nierenberg and Cheryl and Jeff Smith. Entertainment was presented by Harley and Maryanne Sefton.
About Walden Family Services:
Walden Family Services provides foster care and adoption services for children and families throughout Southern California. Walden addresses the unique needs of all children who are neglected and abused, including those who are medically fragile, have developmental disabilities and behavioral or mental health challenges as well as those who are in sibling groups or LGBTQ. The organization also provides transitional housing and programs for youth who have aged out of the foster care system, family visitation centers and parenting programs that focus on stopping the cycle of child abuse. Founded in 1976, Walden Family Services is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in San Diego.
For more information, visit www.waldenfamily.org