Shop for a Cause

BECKY FAWCETT, FOUNDER OF HELPUSADOPT.ORG

Since launching Helpusadopt.org in 2007, how have things changed, evolved?
What's amazing is that our mission to build families through adoption was built on a platform for family equality and it stands stronger than ever today—for that I am so proud. The organization has grown tremendously over the years and I truly believe we have helped to change the way adoption is perceived in our country. Since our launch we have awarded 382 adoption grants totaling over $3.4 million.

Most memorable moment with the organization?
There are many, but if you are truly forcing me to choose… When we launched in 2007 I got a PO Box and sent out a friends-and-family letter announcing the creation of Helpusadopt.org and explaining why our mission (especially that of family equality) was so important in the world of adoption. A week after I mailed the letter I went to the PO Box to see if anyone had responded and it was full of donation checks with letters of encouragement. I was beyond grateful—that was the moment I knew we were onto something big.

How have you had to adapt this year?
We are a collaborative team so working from home has been strange, but we've made it work (I have an amazing team to work with)! On the fundraising side we have had to take our events virtual (like this one) and that is a bit more challenging because it just can't be the same as an in-person experience. But our donors are loyal and our donors believe strongly in the lives of these children that we serve. We can't wait until we can gather in person again!

And what's on the horizon for Helpusadopt.org?
On October 21st we are combining our regional benefits for Philadelphia and Chicago, which are usually in person, virtually and it will include a national online auction—so anyone can join in and bid. It's free to register on our website www.helpusadopt.org/events! Also, November is National Adoption Awareness Month and we will be awarding our next cycle of adoption grants then.

The funds raised next week will help…
Build more families. Every dollar we raise is always so that we can build more families and help more children find the loving and permanent homes that they truly deserve.

JACKIE COHEN — VB SOHO HOST

What brought you to Helpusadopt.org?
I was introduced to Becky Fawcett through a perfect stranger. When I mentioned I was a mom by adoption, he said, “You have to meet Becky." When I set out to adopt my daughter, I was truly shocked at how much adoption costs. I was so fortunate to be able to afford it and, once I held my daughter in my arms, I knew I needed to find a way to give back. Helpusadopt.org was the answer.

What do you love about what they do?
Everything! Helpusadopt.org helps all people, all types of families. Single or married, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation or religion. All they want to do is help build families through adoption and I love that.

How has it changed your life?
I never knew just how important giving back was. That feeling that you can put your finger on the pulse to help change the life of a family and a child is truly remarkable. Every night before I put my baby to bed, I am reminded of the hard work we need to continue so that more kids have homes.

KATIE GORMLEY — VB GEORGETOWN HOST

What brought you to Helpusadopt.org?
Becky Fawcett. This answer feels simple, but Becky came into my life when I was a fresh college graduate and was hired as the first official employee of what was then Becky's PR company, The Fawcett Group. She was the ultimate mentor and our friendship grew from there. She was energizing, sophisticated, fun and hardworking. Can you imagine a better role model? I knew from the start that if Becky was a part of something, it was going to be something amazing. Her command of whatever she is passionate about is intoxicating.

What do you love about what they do?
They provide strength and hope to the most deserving families.

How has it changed your life?
What one may take for granted is another's deepest struggle. This organization is a lifeline to the happiness that everyone deserves.

KHAKI WENNSTROM — VB MELROSE HOST

What brought you to Helpusadopt.org?
I used to own a clothing boutique called Gramercy Boutique on the Main Line of Philadelphia. Becky came to shop in my store and I fell in love with her and her passion for what she started, all on her own, and from her experiences of adopting. I also fell in love with her bracelets that she had on that benefitted her nonprofit, which featured a leaf that represents growth and family. I ordered them for my store and wore one every day to reflect my son Parker.

What do you love about what they do?
Having a brother who is gay, I could never imagine him having a hard time adopting a child because of whom he loves. His heart is so big and he will be the best father someday. I love Helpusadopt.org for so many reasons, but the one that means the most to me is that it does not discriminate. That two men, two women or a man and a woman all should be able to adopt, no matter who they choose to love. Love is love.

And how has the organization changed your life?
Meeting Becky and being a part of so many incredible fundraising efforts has been a special part of my life for the last 12 years. It has enriched my life in so many ways. As a real estate agent in Rancho Santa Fe, California, I love finding families the home they will make memories in—being a part of Helpusadopt.org and finding children wonderful families completes this beautiful picture.

LAURA KLARMAN — VB GREENWICH HOST

What brought you to Helpusadopt.org?
Becky Fawcett and I were brought together by a mutual friend who discovered that we had each adopted our children. We were thrilled to find one another, two families built by adoption. During that time Becky and I would often take our toddlers to lunch, chatting happily while the kids would sit in high chairs and chew on breadsticks. During one such lunch, Becky told me about her dream to start an organization called Helpusadopt.org that would give grant money to couples and individuals who wanted to adopt, but needed some financial assistance to help make their dreams a reality. I felt so fortunate to have had the financial means to adopt my son just a year and a half prior, so when Becky shared her vision I looked at her and said “I’m in.”

What do you love about what they do?
My favorite thing about Helpusadopt.org is that it does not discriminate. HelpUsAdopt feels that “family is family” and provides grants to individuals, same sex couples, heterosexual couples and applicants of all ages, religions, and ethnicities. So many of our grant recipients are people who would typically be refused help by other organizations who define family in very narrow terms. Helpusadopt.org is inclusive and non-judgmental.

And how has the organization changed your life?
Helpusadopt.org has enhanced my life in many ways. It has provided me with a sense of community and helped introduce me to many people who have also built their families through adoption. I always enjoy sharing common experiences with this group, like our journey to becoming a family and how we have shared our children’s stories with them. Being a part of Helpusadopt.org has also taught me the importance of having philanthropy in your life, of standing behind a cause that you really believe in. I also really enjoy thinking of the memories of the early days before Helpusadopt.org had employees. During this time I would help Becky run events and would do things like mail out invitations, arrange flowers, decorate auction tables, and even sweep the floors before the guests came! It was fun to be a part of helping a growing organization.