EDWARDSVILLE – The Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI) will honor John & Lauri Cunningham as an Angel in Adoption™ at an awards ceremony on October 6 and gala on October 7 in Washington, D.C.

Get The Latest News!

Don't miss our top stories and need-to-know news everyday in your inbox.

The Cunningham’s are being honored for their dedication to adoption and for their work with vulnerable children, without the love and protection of a forever family.

The Angels in AdoptionProgram is CCAI’s signature public awareness campaign and provides an opportunity for all members of the U.S. Congress to honor the good work of their constituents who have enriched the lives of foster children and orphans in the United States and abroad. This year, more than 150 “Angels” are being honored through the Angels in Adoptionprogram.

“The Angels in Adoption™ Program is a unique annual opportunity in the nation’s Capital to shine a well-deserved spotlight on the power of adoption and the unspoken heroes who have made the dream of a family a reality for children. Since the program’s inception, over 2,200 Angels have come to Washington to share their firsthand adoption experiences with Members of Congress, highlighting its joys, as well as the barriers encountered in the process,” said Becky Weichhand, Executive Director at CCAI. “Members of Congress are then able to use their new experiential understanding of these issues to create policy improvements that better support these children and the families that open their hearts and homes to them.”  

Article continues after sponsor message

In addition to the more than 150 Angels from around the country, National Angels in Adoption™   honorees will be recognized at the gala for their dedication and commitment nationally and internationally to child welfare on a grand scale. This year’s National Angels in Adoptionhonoree is singer Rachel CrowFormer National Angels include Korie and Willie Robertson, Deborra-Lee Furness Jackman, First Lady Laura Bush, Patti LaBelle, Jane Seymour, Muhammad Ali, the late Dave Thomas, Steven Curtis Chapman, Bruce Willis, Alonzo Mourning, Rhea Perlman and Kristin Chenoweth.

CCAI is a 501(c)3 nonpartisan organization dedicated to raising awareness about the tens of thousands of orphans and foster children in the United States and the millions of orphans around the world in need of permanent, safe, and loving homes through adoption. 

CCAI was created in 2001 by the active co-chairs of the bicameral, bipartisan Congressional Coalition on Adoption, one of Congress’ premiere caucuses. The goal of the caucus is to eliminate policy barriers that hinder these children from realizing their basic right of a family and more effectively raise Congressional and public awareness about adoption. 

The Angels in AdoptionProgram was established in 1999 as a Congressional press conference to honor outstanding individuals. Since then, the program has developed into a yearlong public awareness campaign, culminating in an extraordinary awards gala and celebration in Washington, D.C. 

CCAI does not receive any government funding and relies on the generous support of foundations, corporations, and individuals to accomplish this mission. For more information, visit www.ccainstitute.org or www.angelsinadoption.org.

 

More like this:

Mar 14, 2024 - Alton YWCA Honors 2024 Women of Distinction

Mar 5, 2024 - Bost Announces 2024 Congressional Art Competition

6 days ago - 2024 Women of Distinction: Jeanne Wuellner "Can't Help" Helping Local Kids

Mar 19, 2024 - 2024 Women of Distinction: Apryll Pittman Empowers Women and Children

Mar 20, 2024 - Budzinski Becomes Democratic Nominee for Congress in IL-13, Loyd Wins Republican Primary Nod