Findingforever families

one hope, many hearts gala and carnival

the The North Dakota Heart Gallery held its 10th annual “One Hope, Many Hearts” gala and carnival on Thursday, Nov. 9, at the Fargo Dome. At the event, portraits were unveiled featuring North Dakota children who are in need of adoptive families. At any one time, there are more than 1,500 children in our state’s foster care system. Many pass through quickly, finding permanent homes with other family members or quickly getting adopted out. But some of those children under foster care linger in the system, waiting and wishing every day for the security and love of a “forever family.” It is these children the North Dakota Heart Gallery serves.

The North Dakota Heart Gallery recruits volunteer photographers to capture each child’s spirit, dignity, beauty and individuality. This portrait collection travels the state to churches, malls, museums, libraries and anyplace people gather in hopes that a future parent will see the soul of a child shining through their portrait and make a “heart connection.”

Since their first gallery in 2006, more than 220 children have been served by the North Dakota Heart Gallery. Almost half of them have made a heart connection and now have a forever family. This year they unveiled the portraits of 26 deserving and amazing children, including three groups of siblings. Keynote speaker Michelle Kommer inspired the audience and launched their new campaign, “Who Will?” The question inspires us all as we hear the voices of children in need ask, “Who will tuck me in at night? Who will teach me to tie my shoes? Who will?”

TO DONATE, VOLUNTEER and make a difference you can connect with the North Dakota Heart Gallery at ndheartgallery.org.