VEFC’s 11th Annual “Give Your Heart to a Child” Gala was held on May 5, 2007 at
the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner. Over 170 guests gathered to celebrate and support
28 years of service and outreach to over 16,000 at-risk children and youth in Virginia.
The evening would not have been possible without the many individuals that worked
so hard to make the event such a success. We thank the corporate and individual
sponsors for their generous financial support and the numerous volunteers who donated
their time and talents to make this Cinco de Mayo a celebration honoring children
and VEFC families!
Sabrina Squire, NBC-12 news anchor and VEFC Board member, was
Mistress of Ceremonies for the evening. Sabrina’s charm and grace kept the evening’s
program running smoothly. Honorary Chair and recipient of VEFC’s “Give Your Heart
to a Child” award, Barbara Harrison of NBC-4’s ‘Wednesday’s Child’ series, in her
gracious acceptance speech shared that every child deserves a place to call home,
and organizations like VEFC are critical to ensuring that no child feels unwanted
or unloved…ever.
The Latin Ballet of Virginia gave several breathtaking performances
including a salsa dance which drew the audience to their feet and had everyone dancing!!
Mike Rowen, VEFC host family and Board member, did an amazing job getting the crowd
lively and energized for bidding during the live auction. Several items such as
the Capitol One suite at the Verizon Center for a Washington Nationals or Wizards
game, an autographed Washington Capitols jersey and an autographed Santana Moss football
were big hits among the generous bidders in the crowd!
The proceeds from the gala
will go to support and expand our host home shelter programs throughout the Commonwealth.
VEFC’s invaluable host families offer a priceless gift to children in need. Without
their generous gift of love and care, VEFC would not be able to extend its mission
of service to those children and youth who need our hearts the most.

