Alexandria Foster Parents of the Year Tom and Debbie Matthews, Mayor Bill Euille, Foster Parents of the Year Stacey and Fulvio Padova, ABC-7 reporter Autria Godfrey and Jane Hess Collins. Photo by Jeanne Theismann.
Alexandria — More than 200 people donned their finest Derby attire aboard the Cherry Blossom riverboat for the 9th annual Fostering the Future cruise June 8 to benefit the Fund for Alexandria's Child.
With a theme of “A Night at the Races,” the event raised more than $30,000 to support programs for foster children and children at risk of abuse and neglect. ABC-7 reporter Autria Godfrey and Get Out and Give Back's Jane Hess Collins acted as hosts for the evening, which also served to honor Alexandria Foster Parents of the Year Tom and Debbie Matthews and Stacey and Fulvio Padova.
The Fund for Alexandria's Child, a division of the Alexandria Department of Community and Human Services, works to enhance the quality of life of foster and at-risk children by promoting community awareness, involvement and resource development and providing activities such as dance, art, karate lessons, summer camping, school field trips, scouting and team sports.
For more information, visit www.alexandriava.gov/TheFundForAlexChild.