The Fostering Foundation’s Annual Gala brought together business leaders, community partners, and families for an evening filled with inspiration and purpose. This year’s theme centered on “building strong foundations” for children in foster care and the families who step up to care for them.
Guests began the evening with a moving foster care experience, walking through an installation of over 800 pairs of shoes — each representing a child currently in out-of-home care in Marion County. The display powerfully illustrated the reality of the need while highlighting the mission of The Fostering Foundation.
The semi-formal event included a dinner, silent and live auctions, and impactful stories from foster parents and caregivers. These stories highlighted the heart of the Foundation’s programs — urgent placement bags, sports scholarships, after-school activities, parent training, family events, and holiday celebrations. Every initiative exists to recruit new foster families, retain existing ones, and restore those who have experienced trauma.
The Gala serves as the Foundation’s cornerstone event, providing vital funding for the year ahead. As Executive Director Amy Hill shared, “Our mission is to hold up the arms of caregivers, so they can keep holding on for these children.”
The evening not only raised funds but also raised awareness of the critical role the community plays in supporting foster care. To donate or for further information go to: amy@thefosteringfoundation.org 1-352-895-0161
