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Washington, D.C., September 25th – Congressman Jim Moran, Northern Virginia Democrat, has nominated the non-profit “Children of Chernobyl” as a 2007 Angel in AdoptionTM for their outstanding advocacy on behalf of children. The Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI), which orchestrates the Angels in Adoption™ program, will honor the Northern Virginia non-profit, along with more than 180 Angels, at an awards ceremony and gala event in Washington, DC on October 4, 2007.
“For children forced to grow up in what is essentially an environmental disaster zone, this program offers a lifeline and a chance at a healthier, brighter future,” said Moran. “I salute the volunteers and leaders of the ‘Children of Chernobyl’ program and appreciate CCAI’s efforts to recognize their good deeds. For the children and families involved, this is more than a vacation, it’s a life-changing event.”
The “Children of Chernobyl” program, nominated by Moran, currently operates out of Christ Church in Alexandria, Virginia. Each year, the organization matches approximately 15-20 children from Belarus with host families in Northern Virginia. These children are victims of the after-effects of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, facing significant health problems which recuperative trips to the U.S. can greatly mitigate.
Children participating in the program live with their host families for six weeks, receiving much needed dental care and nourishing meals that help rid their bodies of harmful radioactive toxins. A radiobiologist from the Academy of Sciences in Belarus discovered that the impact of one respite trip for these children led to the restoration of normal cell function within six months of their visit.
The Angels in Adoption™ program 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.
“Our goal is to raise awareness of the millions of orphans and foster children in the United States and abroad that are in need of permanent, safe and loving homes, and we congratulate Children of Chernobyl and Dr. Stein for their role in helping us to achieve this goal,” said Deanna Carlson Stacy, CCAI’s executive director. “Thanks to Congressman Moran, this dynamic non-profit will receive the recognition they deserve for their tireless effort in the mission of helping children.”
In addition to the more than 180 local angels from around the country, several National Angels will also be recognized at the ceremony and gala for their dedication and commitment nationally and internationally to child welfare on a grand scale.
This year’s National Angels include:
Patti LaBelle, Grammy Award winning artist
Alonzo Mourning, Miami Heat – Founder of Alonzo Mourning Charities, Inc.
Marcus Samuelsson, Critically Acclaimed Chef and Author
Former “National Angels” include First Lady Laura Bush, Jane Seymour, Muhammad Ali, the late Dave Thomas, Steven Curtis Chapman, and Bruce Willis.
The Angels in Adoption™ program was established in 1999 as a Congressional press conference to honor outstanding individuals and organizations. The program is made possible through the generous support of Founding and Premier Sponsor, Freddie Mac Foundation and Platinum Sponsor, SUPERVALU, Inc.
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