Members of the Alameda County Foster Parent Association (ACFPA) and its executive committee joined the Alameda County Children and Family Services (ACCFS) as they hosted their annual Caregiver Appreciation Dinner on May 10, 2024. This event celebrates the contributions of resource families, including foster, adoptive, relative, and non-relative caregivers in Alameda County, who open their hearts and homes to children in care.
This year, the event included a distinguished guest list consisting of Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price, and District 1 Board of Supervisor David Haubert, who was the keynote speaker. Mr. Haubert shared the need for more Resource Parents and the support that is needed to assist these families. Ms. Price shared her story of being a former foster youth and reflected on what youth can achieve when they have love and support and believe in themselves. Also in attendance were District 2 Supervisor Elisa Márquez and ACSSA Director Andrea Ford.
ACFPA First Vice President, Charles Bracey, presented on the mission and accomplishments of the ACFPA and announced our Fundraising Campaign, aimed at bolstering our scholarship fund.
Mr. Bracey stole the show when he launched into what we hope to be an annual event, honoring our extraordinary supporters. This year’s honorees were selected by the ACFPA Board ahead of the event and, along with their families, were invited to the dinner as guests of the ACFPA. These incredible honorees consisted of Fraser Bissett, Kyler Buckhout, Mayer Shaffer and Tatyahna Munoz, shining examples of youthful compassion and initiative.
Fraser, Kyler and Mayer, eighth-grade students from Joe Michell TK-8th school in Livermore, researched and selected ACFPA for their school community project. They rallied their peers and community, raising an impressive $900, then purchased diapers and wipes to stock the ACFPA Clothing Closet. Their generosity and initiative was truly impressive and heartwarming.
Taty Munoz, has been a huge supporter of ACFPA for many years. She raised over $5000 and volunteered more than 200 hours in the Clothes Closet, prepared and donated 60 stockings to the ACFPA Christmas party and collected over 250 stuffed backpacks for the annual Backpack Giveaway.
As they received their certificates of appreciation, amidst applause and admiration, Fraser, Kyler, Mayer, and Taty stood as living testaments to the power of community, compassion, and collective action. You can read more about these incredible youth on our News page.
In addition to the presentations, resource tables with helpful information and complimentary gift baskets, guests enjoyed a sumptuous dinner, wonderful music, and the opportunity to sit back, relax and take in the well-deserved gratitude.
Thank you ACCFS for another wonderful event, lifting our spirits with hope and reminding us of the healing power of community.
alamedacountyfosterparentassociation.org 