WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Representative Glenn `GT’ Thompson, R-Howard, announced he has selected Tom and Patti Long as a 2009 Angel in AdoptionTM. The Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI), which orchestrates the Angels in Adoption™ program, will honor the Longs, along with more than 190 Angels, at an awards ceremony and gala event in Washington, DC, at 2 p.m., September 30, 2009, in 325 Russell Senate Office Building.
“Tom and Patti Long have two biological children, who are now grown and on their own. Tom was active in the Big Brother/Big Sister organization when they lived in Ohio and in Pennsylvania. As their second child was about to graduate high school in Bald Eagle Area High School near their home in Howard, Pennsylvania, they were notified that a “Little Brother” was being removed from his foster home,” said Thompson.
“David had switched homes and school districts several times before he was even 10 years old. In the 5th grade, David had switched homes three times in the first five weeks of school before he was fortunate enough to cross paths with the Long family. The Longs opened their arms and their home and family to the young man. That was in 2001. In 2005, the adoption was finally approved and David is now an 18-year-old high school graduate, an accomplished Eagle Scout and has plans to enlist in the U.S. Navy. This is a compassionate and nurturing family and I was proud to nominate them for the Angels program.”
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.
In addition to the more than 190 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. Former “National Angels” include First Lady Laura Bush, Patti LaBelle, Jane Seymour, Muhammad Ali, the late Dave Thomas, Steven Curtis Chapman, Bruce Willis, Alonzo Mourning, and Marcus Samuelsson.
Thompson and the Longs will participate in an award ceremony in Washington, D.C. on September 30 at 2 p.m., in 325 Russell Senate Office Building, where Thompson will present the Angel Certificate and engraved pin to the couple.
CCAI was created in 2001 by the active co-chairs of the bicameral, bipartisan Congressional Coalition on Adoption (CCA) to more effectively raise Congressional and public awareness about the issue of adoption.
CCAI does not receive any government funding and they rely on the generous support of foundations, corporations, and individuals to accomplish their mission. For more information visit http://www.ccainstitute.org/