Adoption Events

National Adoption Day 2009

Join us! Families at all stages of the adoption process are invited to attend our first Celebrate and Educate Adoption Day Event! We aim to connect families with agency experts, international consulate representatives, social workers, and other adoption professionals to share information and give insight into the issues faced throughout the international adoption journey. The event will be held:

National Adoption Day
Saturday, November 21, 2009
8:30 AM – 2:00 PM
University of St. Thomas - Jones Hall
Montrose Blvd. and W. Alabama St.
Houston, TX 77006

Come celebrate National Adoption Day 2009 with members of Great Wall's staff, including Regional Office Directors, and other adoption experts!

SEATING IS LIMITED -- please email your family's reservation to kaylea@gwca.org no later than Thursday, November 19, 2009.

Registration Fee - $10 per family

Families that attend will:

Receive a $50 discount on your Application

Receive certification to satisfy 3 hours of required Hague Training

Learn about international adoption from China, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Mexico and the Philippines (Coming soon!)

Find out what to expect during the dossier, referral, travel and post adoption phases of adoption

Meet Waiting Child Program experts learn about caring for special needs children

Explore options for concurrent adoption

Connect with fellow adoptive families to share experiences and develop relationships to promote a network of support

Obtain a valuable reference packet to guide you through each step of the adoption process

Great Wall Florida 2009 Chinese New Year Celebration

Hi Everyone,

Our 2009 Chinese New Year Celebration is not too far away. Here is the information so you can mark your calendars, make reservations, and invite your family and friends.

Sunday, January 18, 2009, 1-4 pm

Embassy Suites, Lake Buena Vista, Florida (near Orlando)

http://www.embassysuiteslbv.com

Menu: Adults (ages 13 and up) - $30.00 inclusive (tax & gratuity): Lunch Buffet:

Assorted Rolls & Butter
Chop Chop Salad (Crisp Romaine Lettuce, Crunchy Wonton
Strips, Red Peppers, Pickled Ginger & Macadamia Nut tossed in Sesame Ginger Vinaigrette)

***
Orange Cashew Chicken
Beef & Broccoli
Fried Rice
Stir Fried Vegetables

Assorted cakes and pies - Chef's Choice

Regular & Decaffeinated Coffee and Iced Tea

Children's Meal:

(4-12 years old) - $15 inclusive (tax & gratuity)

Chicken Fingers, Fries, Fruit Cup, Cookie and Lemonade

Children Under 4 years - Free (will not be served a meal unless purchased).

To continue the tradition, we hope to have a formal lion dance, slide show, and some entertainment (by the fabulous Marc Weinstock)! We will also have an arts and crafts table for the children and a silent auction. Donations for the silent auction will be greatly appreciated.......all proceeds will be donated Love Without Boundaries - www.lovewithoutboundaries.com

The hotel will have open seating at round tables of 10 so if you have a large party that you would like seated together, you should plan to arrive a few minutes early as there is no reserved seating. Also, please be sure to make arrangements for the seating of your child(ren) regarding high chairs/booster seats as the hotel will have a very limited number, if any, available.

Due to the fact that we are holding this event in a hotel, reservations must be paid in advance.......no exceptions. Payment should be made to Michele Waters. On a separate sheet of paper, you will need to list the number of adults (ages 13 and up), children ages 4-12, children ages 1-4 so we can maintain a proper head count for the different age categories. Please include names so we can make name tags. If you plan to attend, you can RSVP via email and I will put your name on a list. I am asking that you make payment within two weeks after you RSVP. Checks should be made payable to Michele Waters but mailed to:

Susan Fremer
1317 Fergason Avenue,
Spring Hill, FL 34609.

Please follow these directions carefully so we can keep everything accurate and eliminate extra work for volunteers helping to plan the event.

Please let me know as soon as possible if you plan to attend this event. I need to get as accurate a head count as possible. The hotel is reserving a limited space for us. If we go over that amount, they will offer us more space IF it is available. We’ve always had excellent attendance but since we cannot reserve the entire ballroom, we’ll need to reserve as we grow. Therefore, it is important that you rsvp as soon as possible and follow up with payment. I cannot reserve extra space without the funds to cover it.

You may RSVP to me via email at sfremer@tampabay.rr.com if you plan to attend. Again, please let me know the number of adults (ages 13 and up) in your party, the number of children ages 4-12, and the number of children ages 1-4. I will reply that I have received your email and then please follow through with payment so we can get an approximate head count as soon as possible.

Anyone interested in helping with the silent auction, door prizes, or arts and crafts, please let me know....volunteers are greatly appreciated and necessary to ensure a successful event.

If you are coming from out of town, the hotel has reserved a limited number of two-room suites at a discounted rate of $109 per night. Room reservations must be made by December 19th in order to receive our special rate. If you plan to reserve a room, please let me know and I will provide you with the group code to get the discounted rate. Reservations cannot be made until after November 1st. After December 19th, room rates will be based upon availability at the current prevailing hotel rates. Please be sure you understand cancellation and/or refund policies. The hotel staff should explain this to you when you make your reservation.

I look forward to seeing everyone as we celebrate the 2009 Chinese New Year! - year of the Ox!

All att Susan Fremer Florida Director Great Wall China Adoption