How AdoptTogether Has Helped Over 5000 Families Come Together - And How You Can Help By Joining At Their Baby Ball
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 12: (L-R) Sueann Fortener and AdoptTogether Founder and CEO Hank Fortener attend the 5th Adopt Together Baby Ball Gala on October 12, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Adopt GETTY IMAGES FOR ADOPT TOGETHER
AdoptTogether is the world’s largest crowdfunding platform for adoption. Every gift you give, brings a family one step closer to their child.
As an adoptive parent myself, I have long been a fan of their incredible mission - so far they have helped 5000 families bring their kids home.
I caught up with Founder Hank Fortener to hear more about his journey, the work they do with brands, and how you can help support by coming to their annual Baby Ball.
Afdhel Aziz: Hank, welcome. Please tell us a little about the mission of Adopt Together and how it started?
Hank Fortener: When I was 7, my parents told me we'd start fostering kids in our home, and appointed us as foster parents. I remember my mom telling me that at 7 years old, I could be a foster parent, because a kid needs love and doesn't care how old you are. We fostered 36 kids with various disabilities and needs, and then my parents went on to adopt 8 children from 5 different countries or regions.
When I became an adult, my friends started looking into adoption and asked how my family was able to afford the adoptions on a meager middle class salary. I realized then that we scrimped and saved and went without some things in order to afford the cost of adoption.
I had the idea that if we could turn crowds into communities, if it truly takes a village to raise a child, it can also mean it takes a village to raise funds to bring a child home. It did not seem fair that insurance could cover most expenses of having a baby in a hospital, but there was nothing for those who could not have a child, or chose to parent a child that needed parents. AdoptTogether was born in our hearts 2009, and then went live in 2012.
Aziz: What an incredible story, thank you for sharing that Hank. What are some of the achievements you’re proudest of to date?
Fortener: We've helped over 5000 families raise over $26M to bring their kids home forever. I'm proud of the countless number of people who have joined us with their skills and talents to be part of this mission. From web developers, designers, volunteers, so many have donated or contributed their skills and talents and joined this movement of helping bring families together.
But more than anything, I'm proud to be part of telling the story of family- multi faceted, diverse, painful, and beautiful families all connected together.
Aziz: Thank you to all the amazing partners and volunteers who have helped so many families! What are some of the brands you’ve worked with and how can they help?
Fortener: We've partnered with Apolis, making custom bags, Good H(you)man making custom tshirts, and Our City Coffee with a custom Family blend of coffee.
We'd love to collaborate more with brands that can help us with a gift to welcome families as they bring their kids home.
Aziz: We’ll be sure to get the word out. Finally, please tell us about the upcoming BabyBall and what the event entails?
Fortener: BabyBall is our annual gala, the best party of the year! We do not retain any portion of donations that come in designated to families, so we fundraise separately for our organization's operating expenses.
It is amazing to see so many come together to support the one thing we all have in common- family, good or bad- and that some of our most profound formative experiences hinge on having a family that has your back.
Baby Ball is the annual celebration of #worldadoptionday put on by AdoptTogether in order to raise funds for families currently fundraising for their adoption.
The night typically features live music, stunning art installations, interaction games & activations, a silent auction and an engaging talk from AdoptTogether Founder Hank Fortener.
Details for the next Baby Ball:
When: Saturday, October 2nd at 8pm (please note, red carpet arrivals to begin at 7:15pm sharp)
Where: NeueHouse Rooftop Terrace (yes, outdoors!), 6121 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Who: Hosted by AdoptTogether Founder, Hank Fortener, Actor, Lindsay Price and Actor, Jenna Ushkowitz
Please note, AdoptTogether and NeueHouse will be following all CDC guidelines to ensure the safety of all staff and guests at this year’s Baby Ball. Staff will be masked, and the venue follows all LA County health guidelines.
