Tuesday, September 14, 2004


BEAVER CITY -- Terry and Sandi Klein have been selected as recipients of the Adoption Angels Award, presented by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute.

The Kleins have been foster parents since 1988. In 2002 they adopted three siblings who had been in their foster care. Their picture was attached to the earlier news release announcing their nomination.

The Kleins, who both work outside the home and volunteer their time with the fire dept. and Red Cross, also have 2 adult children and 2 grandchildren with another on the way.

The Kleins are among 160 families nationally who will be recognized for their accomplishments and contributions in the area of foster care and adoption, along with actress Jane Seymour, during ceremonies in Washington DC on Sept. 23rd.

"I am thrilled for Sandi and Terry," said U.S. Sen. Ben Nelson. "I can't think of anyone more deserving. They are a perfect example of what this prestigious National award stands for and that is to honor people who are willing to share their already full lives with children who are in need of a loving home."

What is the Angels in Adoption Program?

The Angels in Adoption™ Program, CCAI’s signature public awareness program, raises 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’s Angels’ event provides an opportunity to members of Congress to recognize and honor the good work of their constituents who have enriched the lives of children through adoption.

Established in 1999, the program began as a congressional press conference. Since then, the program has developed into a yearlong public awareness campaign culminating in an extraordinary awards gala and celebration in Washington, DC.

The Angels in Adoption™ Awards Gala boasts the most Congressional support of any child welfare event in the nation and is the only program that allows members of Congress to take an active role in selecting a constituent of their choice as an award recipient. CCAI invites all members of Congress to select an individual, family, or organization from their home states who have significantly contributed to changing the lives of children in need; specifically through adoption and foster care. Each Angel and member of Congress is invited to attend the Angels in Adoption™ Awards Gala, where they meet and share their personal experiences and involvement in adoption and foster care. In addition, National Angels are selected by the Congressional Directors of CCAI for their work on a national and international scale.

In September 2002, CCAI was pleased to honor over 140 Congressional Angels in Adoption™ from all 50 states, and four National Angels: Dave Thomas in memoriam, Founder of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption; Hans Van Loon, Secretary General to the Hague Conference; Hallmark Channel U.S.; and Antwone Fisher; best-selling author and screenwriter.

The 2003 Angels in Adoption celebration was held on September 30th with more than 950 people in attendance including Angels from 48 states, 167 members of Congress participating in the campaign. Muhammad and Lonnie Ali and Bruce Willis attended the Angels event to be recognized as National Angel in Adoption Award recepients for their advocacy for foster and adopted children. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, House Majority Leader Tom Delay and Senate Minority Whip Harry Reid presented awards on stage along side CCAI Congressional board members: Senator Larry Craig, Senator Mary Landrieu, Representative Dave Camp and Representative Jim Oberstar.

As in 2002, the Angels in Adoption™ Awards Celebration could not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors; namely the Freddie Mac Foundation, founding and premier sponsor, and Target Corporation, premier sponsor.

This year’s Angels in Adoption™ event will take place September 23th at the Ronald Regan Building and International Trade Center.