Foundation, Congress Recognize Adoption Heroes at Annual Gala

A family honored as a 2005 'Angel'.

September 21, 2005 – As it has for several years, the Freddie Mac Foundation joined members of Congress in recognizing “Angels in Adoption,” individuals who have made a difference in children's lives through adoption or adoption advocacy.

Nearly 200 individuals, families and organizations from across the nation were honored during the recent Angels in Adoption Awards Gala in Washington D.C. The event, sponsored by the Freddie Mac Foundation, is the annual culmination of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute's (CCAI) year-long campaign to raise awareness about the need for permanent, safe, and loving homes for children here and around the world. This year, 193 members of congress participated, making it the year’s single most significant Congressional event pertaining to child welfare in the United States.

Every year, members of Congress are invited to select individuals, families, or organizations from their home states that have helped children in need through adoption. These "Angels" are presented with awards for their efforts at the annual gala. Through the creation of the Angel Wings Fund, the Freddie Mac Foundation made it possible for award recipients who are experiencing economic hardship to attend the ceremony.

“Each year I come to this celebration, I am reminded how blessed we are that there are so many ‘angels’ among us — angels who have opened their hearts and homes to a child in need, or dedicated themselves to making adoption a reality for children who need a permanent home,” said Foundation President and CEO Maxine B. Baker, who received special recognition from Representative Camp for her four years of service on CCAI’s board.

“We all know that growing up, there is no greater gift, nothing more precious, than the love and security of a family. So I want to thank all of you for your caring and your commitment to giving this gift of family to our children,” said Baker.

Angels in Adoption was created in 1999 and is CCAI's signature public awareness program, created to raise congressional awareness about the thousands of foster children in this country, and the millions of children around the world in need of permanent homes. CCAI selected Freddie Mac as the first National Angel in Adoption in 1999 for its generous adoption benefits and the Foundation's commitment to finding America's foster children safe adoptive homes.