Middlesex County National Adoption Day Celebration
November 18, 2010

The Superior Court Vicinage, Middlesex County, in conjunction with Surrogate Kevin Hoagland, the Middlesex County Bar Foundation and the Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS) will recognize National Adoption Day in Middlesex County on Thursday November 18, 2010.

Festivities begin at 8:30 am with an Opening Ceremony in the Courtroom of Hon. Travis L. Francis, AJSC. After opening remarks by members of the Judiciary and attending dignitaries, Hon. Robert P. Figarotta, JSC, will preside over approximately 25 adoptions. Visitors are welcome throughout the day from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the conference room outside Courtroom 201 in the Middlesex County Courthouse on Paterson Street in New Brunswick.

The goals of National Adoption Day include celebrating and honoring all families that adopt; raising awareness and encouraging others to adopt the 129,000 children in Foster Care; and fostering collaboration among local adoption agencies, courts and advocacy organizations.

Described by Judge Francis, "As the happiest day of the year in the Courthouse," ongoing festivities include the presentation of teddy bears, flowers and balloons, to the adopted. Refreshments are served to the adopting families in an adjoining conference room where everyone enjoys children's books, crayons, coloring books, and various games.

National Adoption Day first took place in Middlesex in November 2007 and has since been established as a yearly activity.

Celebrated in all 50 states, The District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, more than 300 events are held each year throughout the country to finalize the adoptions of children and honor all families who adopt.

A founding sponsor of National Adoption Day is The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption; Mr. Thomas, a foster child, established and was the President of Wendy's Restaurants.

For additional information on the November 18th event in Middlesex County, please contact Louis J.R. Kady, Esq., Chair, Middlesex County Bar Foundation National Adoption Day Committee at loukady@aol.com or 732-541-4242, or the Bar Foundation Office at (732) 828-3433, x. 102, or visit www.nationaladoptionday.org.