Spaulding for Children’s founders had a dream that all children are “adoptable,” without regard to their age, race or disability. Today, 50 years on from its founding in a Chelsea farmhouse, Spaulding for Children has become a national leader in adoption and foster parenting. As part of its work, the agency has trained hundreds of thousands of professionals in adoption and foster care. The Academy for Family Support and Preservation is recognized, both as a resource and as a model around the world.
 
Spaulding for Children will help commemorate the lives and works of those who have played central roles in making our first 50 years possible at next weekend's Families in Bloom (see details below) on Saturday, April 27 at the St. John Banquet & Conference Center in Southfield. Like the people after which they are named, each award represents unique and important aspects of adoption and foster care.
 
 
Robert “Bob” and Marjorie Daniels – Lighthouse Award
 
Robert “Bob” and Marjorie Daniels dedicated their lives together to their family, the people and communities of Michigan, and to building a better future for all. They were among the first to support the mission of Spaulding for Children in 1968. In addition to providing important guidance, they worked tirelessly as advocates on behalf of the organization and the children and families Spaulding serves.
 
A former mayor of the City of Chelsea and president of Chelsea Lumber Company, the late Bob Daniels served on Spaulding for Children's Board of Directors for more than forty years. Those who worked with Mr. Daniels reported he was a visionary who also saw how to get things done. He helped keep downtown Chelsea a vibrant community, working countless hours with organizations and individuals who sought out his advice and counsel. Among his work on behalf of Spaulding for Children, Mr. Daniels helped acquire the Warren and Bertha Spaulding Farm in Chelsea as the organization's first headquarters. 
 
When Mr. Daniels found out that Spaulding children were dropping out of high school due to the embarrassment of their underwear, he gathered a few of his friends, who all contributed $10,000, to start the Family Support Fund affectionately called, “The Underwear Fund.”  This fund was spent not only on the children’s needs, but also on their wants, i.e. fashionable gym shoes, bikes, prom clothes, hair and nail appointments, and of course, matching in-style underwear.
 
Like a beacon that illuminates the way to safe passage for those in distress, the light that Robert and Marjorie Daniels shined has made it possible to protect the lives of the most vulnerable among us. Spaulding for Children is eternally grateful for their resolute efforts on behalf of children in search of a permanent family.
                                                                                                                                       
 
John and Betty Barfield – Angel Award
 
John and Betty Barfield founded Bartech, a Michigan corporation that employs thousands and serves millions around the globe. The late John and Betty Barfield’s success was built upon a foundation of faith, family, tireless enterprise, and their commitment to doing their best in all ways and at all times. Mr. Barfield applied those principles as he served on the board of Spaulding for Children for more than 20 years.
 
Near the beginning of his tenure, Mr. Barfield expressed his wish that Spaulding would have the resources to fund 100 adoptions annually. To make his vision into reality, he started the Partners Endowment Campaign. In this work on behalf of Spaulding, Mr. Barfield raised $1 million in a period of 15 months as its first endowment committee chairman. Spaulding’s endowment grew to $4 million before Mr. Barfield left his position as chairman.
 
Devotion, courage, kindness, vision and integrity are hallmarks of the sublime. Spaulding for Children is eternally grateful for the selfless dedication to our children, families and community of John and Betty Barfield.
 
 
Michael Gene Lucci – Ambassador Award
 
Michael Gene “Mike” Lucci is a Detroit Lions Legend and a business and civic leader. Mr. Lucci began his professional football career with the Cleveland Browns, where he played from 1962-1964. He starred as a member of the Detroit Lions, playing middle linebacker from 1965-1973. He also starred in literature and on the silver screen, appearing in George Plimpton’s “Paper Lion.”
 
After his NFL career, Mr. Lucci entered the world of business. He joined and rose to serve as president of Bally Total Fitness. He has also played a central role in advancing the interests of former professional football players, many of whom suffered devastating brain injuries during their careers.
 
Mr. Lucci became an advocate of Spaulding for Children during a Lions training camp circa 1970. Several children from Spaulding had been invited to watch practice and asked if they could carry his helmet and shoulder pads to the locker room. After learning who they were, he developed a plan to help.
 
At a dinner with seven of his friends and golf partners, Mr. Lucci talked about the kids he had met and the work of Spaulding for Children. “How can we help?” they asked. He opened his checkbook and made out a draft. All seven of his friends did the same. Their generosity soon became the Mike Lucci Golf Tournament. As the main fundraiser for Spaulding for Children, the charity tourney raised more than $1 million and proved crucial in keeping the doors open for 30 years.
 
Today, the organization Mr. Lucci and his friends so generously benefitted continues to actively support and strengthen foster and adoptive families in Michigan, across the United States, and around the world.  For Mike Lucci and his advocacy on behalf of our mission and the children and families we serve, Spaulding for Children is eternally grateful.
 
 
 
Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption – Spirit of Adoption Award
 
The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption is a national, nonprofit public charity dedicated exclusively to finding permanent homes and loving families for the nearly 155,000 children waiting in North America’s foster care systems. The foundation was created by the late Rex David “Dave” Thomas, founder of Wendy’s, who was adopted at the age of 6 weeks in 1932.
 
When he was eight years old, Mr. Thomas dreamed that one day he would run the best restaurant in the world. He didn't just achieve his dream, he shared it with everyone and then did all he knew to make it happen. He founded Wendy’s in 1969. Today the company enjoys success around the world.
 
Implementing evidence-based, results-driven national service programs, foster care adoption awareness campaigns and innovative grant-making programs, the Dave Thomas Foundation has long and generously supported the mission and work of Spaulding for Children. We at Spaulding are eternally grateful for Mr. Thomas and his adoptive parents, who opened their hearts and home to a child without a family.
 

Child abuse is so widespread, with 1 in 10 children being sexually abused before they turn 18, it is likely someone you know will be affected by it. CARE House of Oakland County's Prevention Program teaches children and adults to recognize the signs of abuse and to take proper action. In 2018, 7,678 adults and children participated in CARE House prevention training sessions.
 
CARE House also provides intervention and treatment. When police and Children's Protective Services receive reports of suspected child abuse, CARE House provide forensic interviews for those children at their facility. Police and CPS attend the interview, which is designed to avoid re-traumatizing the child. They also provide therapy for these children and their non-offending family members.
 
In addition to individual therapy sessions, CARE House has a weekly Family Support Group and a Teen Girl Survivor Group. For child abuse victims, the Intervention and Treatment program offers a critical first step on the road to healing and an opportunity for children to reclaim their lives. In 2018, CARE House provided 684 forensic interviews and 3,437 individual therapy sessions for child victims of abuse and their non-offending family members.
 
Learn more from CARE House at their April 27 Workshop during Families in Bloom. Their workshop begins at 3 p.m. Read more about CARE House and their services at www.carehouse.org.
 

Visit the QIC-AG to learn more about ensuring supports are available to families who adopt children privately (domestic or intercountry) Click here or on the button below to see all messages.
 

 
Please join us on Saturday, April 27 for Families in Bloom. Held from noon to 4 p.m. at St. John Banquet & Conference Center in Southfield, the event celebrates Spaulding for Children’s 50 years of building stronger families.
 
The Honorable Kenson J. Siver, Mayor of the City of Southfield, has officially designated Saturday, April 27, 2019 as “Spaulding for Children Day” in recognition of Spaulding for Children’s 50 years as a not-for-profit organization in service to adopted and foster children. The proclamation also heralds Families in Bloom, a free family event that celebrates the anniversary and demonstrates how strong families help build strong communities.
 
Families in Bloom takes place Saturday, April 27 from noon to 4 p.m. at St. John's Banquet and Conference Center, 22001 Northwestern Highway, Southfield, Michigan, 48975. Free and open to the public of all communities, the event includes workshops for adults and activities for children. The event also honors individuals whose work and support have made Spaulding for Children an important resource for children and families. Spaulding was founded in 1968 with the goal of finding a permanent family for every child who needs one.
 
Four awards will be presented to commemorate the 50th anniversary. They include:
 

• “The John and Betty Barfield Angel Award”— Mr. Barfield's wish was for SFC to have the resources to fund 100 adoptions annually and started the Partners Endowment Campaign.
• “The Robert ‘Bob’ and Marjorie Daniels Lighthouse Award” – Mr. Daniels was a charter board member and a beacon, bringing many companies and individuals to support SFC.
• “The Mike Lucci Ambassador Award” – Mr. Lucci was an ambassador for the children and SFC for more than 30 years, raising over a million dollars through his annual golf outing.
• “The Dave Thomas Spirit of Adoption Award” – Mr. Thomas dedicated his life to helping children get adopted. SFC continues to work with his foundation, supported by Wendy’s franchisees.

Fox 2's Huel Perkins emcees the Families in Bloom awards ceremony, which begins at 2 p.m. Among the honorees and dignitaries in attendance will be Detroit Lion's legend Mike Lucci.
Sponsors include Wendy's Detroit Area Franchisees, the Michigan/Wayne County Department of Health and Human Services, Annette & Company School of Dance, and Health Alliance Plan. Joining them are Meijer's, English Gardens, and Big Families.
 
 
Families in Bloom Timeline:

• Noon to 2 p.m. – Southfield Fire Department Safety House
• 1 - 2 p.m. – Meet Detroit Lion's official mascot, Roary
• 2 p.m. – Awards Ceremony
• Noon to 2 p.m., 3-3:30 p.m. – Workshops
• 1 - 4 p.m. – Raffle Drawings on the Hour

 
Workshops:

• 12:30 p.m. – Spaulding for Children Presents Basics of Foster Care
• 1 p.m. – JVS presents Families Financial Literacy
• 1:30 p.m. – Wellness Plan presents Helping Families Work Through Puberty
• 3 p.m. – CARE House of Oakland County presents Keeping Kids Safe from Abuse

 
Activities Through-out the Day:

• Author readings by Theresa Baker of “Josie’s Bedazzled Shoes” and LaTashia M. Perry of the “Kids Like Mine” series
• Kids First Initiative will present activities to introduce children to the excitement of science with Richard Bell.
• Ascension Providence Hospital will conduct free health checks for blood sugar, blood pressure, and Body-Mass Index (BMI).
• Southfield Public Library will host readings and children's activities.
• Southfield Police will discuss public and community safety.
• Southfield Parks & Recreation will distribute information about summer programs.
• Southfield Fire Department will provide fire safety information and demonstrations
• Annette & Company will hold dance performances and demonstrations.

 
In addition, other organizations and exhibitors will present resources and opportunities for families and children.