Foundation, Council of Governments Honor Foster Parents

To recognize and celebrate those who provide nurturing and guidance to the 6,000 Washington area children in foster care, the Freddie Mac Foundation together with the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) presented a gala evening of awards, dinner and entertainment on May 31.

"For more that half-a-million children and teens across the nation, foster parents offer a lifeline-a bridge from heartbreak to hope," said Maxine B. Baker, president and CEO, Freddie Mac Foundation at the event.

"Whether these children are part of your family for one night or a lifetime, you make an immeasurable difference in their lives," she told the nearly 900 guests, including the directors of the Child Welfare Agencies and several elected and public officials. During the event, Maxine was surprised with a special appreciation award from foster parents for her leadership and commitment to foster children.

Nine individuals and couples from the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia were singled out for their exceptional dedication to children and foster care. Vicki Trapnell of Arlington, VA; Lydia Moore of Alexandria, VA; Kim Diggs from the District of Columbia; Roger Daniels from Fairfax County, VA; Mida Gilbert from Frederick County, MD; Mike and Kathy Rowland from Loudoun County, VA; Marcia and Christopher Tivoli from Montgomery County, MD; Jackie and Gordon Plumley from Prince George's County, MD and Dirk and Pathelia Huber Prince from William County, VA were named Outstanding Foster parents and presented with awards to commemorate their efforts on behalf of the area's foster children.

Also at the event was Mrs. Virginia Williams, the mother of District of Columbia Mayor Anthony Williams, one of several children Mrs. Williams and her husband adopted. In addition, co-anchor Barbara Harrison attended the gala to help pay tribute to the Outstanding Foster Parents and present them with their awards.

COG is a regional organization of Washington area local governments composed of 18 local governments surrounding our nation's capital, plus area members of the Maryland and Virginia legislatures, the U.S. Senate, and the U.S. House of Representatives. The organization was created in 1957 to provide a focus for action and develop sound regional responses to such issues as the environment, affordable housing, economic development, health and family concerns, human services, population growth, public safety, and transportation.