Gala to benefit foster care, adoption association

An evening of dining, entertainment and fundraising auctions will highlight the annual Forget Me Not Gala to benefit the Central Missouri Foster Care and Adoption Association.

Local vocalist and musician Liz Graham will lead off the event's activities at the Capitol Plaza Hotel, starting at 6 p.m. on Nov. 1.

A silent auction and social hour will be followed by dinner, an awards program and live auction. The live auctioneer is Scott Hamblin, of Waters Hamblin Auction Service. Nearly 100 unique and creative items will be offered in the two auctions, with proceeds going to support programs for the nonprofit Foster Care and Adoption Association.

Recognition of key CMFCAA members and volunteers will complete the evening's activities. A Volunteer of the Year and an Angel of Adoption family will be honored, as will this year's Adoption Ambassador.

This is the third year the Central Missouri Foster Care and Adoption Association has sponsored such a fundraising event.

Since 2009, CMFCAA has served 67 families and more than 200 children throughout central Missouri. Agency programs include "Begin-Again Backpacks" for children entering foster care, "Transitions" for high school seniors, the "Boys and Girls Clothing Closets" for foster and adoptive youth, and the "Hope Chest Food Distribution" program for foster and adoptive families. CMFCAA also provides parent training services, sponsors respite events for member families, and offers a variety of assistance services through the volunteer-staffed Resource Center on Jefferson Street.

The gala is scheduled for 6-8:30 p.m. Nov 1. Tickets are $35 per individual, or $60 per couple.

This year's gala chair is Lisa Scroggs.

Event tickets can be purchased online at www.ccfostercadopt.com or by calling 298-0258.