Rosie was assigned to pick out this year’s fundraiser.  She did a terrific job!  After reading the following statistics, you’ll agree.  Currently, as I am typing this, there are over 14,500 children in Missouri foster care.  Over 4,500 are in foster care in the seven county area that Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition serve (St. Louis City; St. Louis County; St. Charles; Lincoln; Warren; Jefferson; and Franklin Counties).  Ten years ago there were 9,000 children in foster care across Missouri, a 42% increase in the last ten years.  The opioid epidemic is the primary reason.  According to the CDC, approximately 150 people die daily nationwide from opioids.  Children stay in care longer because of relapse.  Since 2007, there has been a 400-500% increase in babies addicted to opioids. 

Kyle, with Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition stated that he wanted people to know the following:  we often hear in the news that there is a shortage of foster parents.  Kyle stated that is not necessarily the case.  Many good people come forward to become foster parents.  The problem was that 60% quit after the first year and more drop the second year.  The good news is that in 2017 The Jones Family Program was started and they have a 95% retention rate after only two years! 

I am very pleased with Rosie for finding such a worthy fundraiser for this year.  Another important statistic is that 95% of the funds go to the children.  On June 1^st the weather was wonderful; Midlife Crisis entertained us; Taormina’s fed us; Pawn Bucks donated the gun to raffle; Don Nolen came up with another cool “Best of Paint” trophy; Jan & Sparky put together a hip “Best of Show” trophy; and those that attended were more than generous.  A special thank you to:   Oggie for helping with set up and tear down; Cindy for helping with registration; and Tammy for helping sell the 50/50 tickets.  And, as always, thank you to all of you who attended and made the day the success that it was! 

Peace Out,  Reine