Walden Family Services Inaugural Cocktail Reception a Success

Walden Family Services, a non-profit foster care and adoption agency, held its Inaugural Cocktail Reception on June 12, 2014, raising over $6000 and introducing the Los Angeles community to the needs of foster children and the organization’s mission of providing care and support to foster children and families.

The event was held at DOMA in Beverly Hills where more than 50 guests enjoyed cocktails compliments of event sponsor Tallarico Vodka and an array of appetizers including gourmet pizzas, chicken satay and floral garnished tuna tar-tar.

Celebrity guest speaker Joely Fisher, who adopted her youngest daughter from foster care, spoke extensively about growing up in a loving family.  Opening up your own family to a child who needs a loving home is a gift, stated Fisher, noting that there are so many children in foster care within our communities who need and deserve the same.

Other speakers throughout the night provided guests with an overview of Walden Family Services’ programs, including those that focus on the needs of children with developmental disabilities and special health care concerns as well as older youth who have aged out of the foster care system.

Shalyn Saxon, a former Walden foster youth, spoke about Walden’s Independent Futures program and Scholars program, which enabled her to complete her education and start her career. Event Chair Bryant Huddleston, Foundation Board Chair and Event Sponsor Maryanne Carlin and Executive Director Teresa Stivers also presented on the scope of Walden’s services.

“We are so grateful for the community support we received at the Inaugural Cocktail Reception,” said Stivers. “The generosity expressed by all those who attended, as well as that of our sponsors and donors, will help us continue to be an advocate for Southern California’s foster youth.”