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December 12, 2005-Miami, FL- Voices For Children Foundation, the fundraising arm of the 11th Judicial Circuit Guardian Ad Litem Program, celebrated Miami-Dade kids with music, arts and fun in a full day event at Village of Merrick Park. A Children’s Celebration, part of the organization’s annual A Festival of Voices, was held Sunday, December 11 from noon to 6 p.m.
The sun came out when Village of Merrick Park in Coral Gables opened its doors to Voices For Children’s friends and supporters for an event that brought nearly 2,000 people closer to the lives of kids in foster care in a bid to raise awareness about their experiences and the need for Guardian Ad Litem volunteers to speak up for their best interest in court.
The event featured Art Alley, a showcase of photographs and paintings created by kids in foster care in a series of workshops led by renowned artists. The kids’ works of art were auctioned off throughout the day. Some of the work by mentoring artists was also available for sale. A portion of the proceeds from the children’s auction will go directly to them while a portion of the proceeds from both auctions will go to Voices For Children to fund future art projects of this nature and allow more children to participate.
“A Children’s Celebration raised much needed awareness about our organization and the Guardian Ad Litem Program. The kids’ history of abuse and neglect is turned into pictures and photographs that tell stories of dreams and hopes; making the community present to what their art represents is the first step to raising awareness about child abuse issues and the critical need for everybody to get involved and speak up for these kids,” said Voices For Children Executive Director, Nestor A. Rodriguez.
Performances included The Pinecrest Preparatory Academy Recorder Ensemble and Chorus Ensemble, who welcomed patrons with delightful holiday musical pieces. Following, the kids and their families enjoying the beautiful surroundings of the location watched the playful and entertaining The Playground Theatre, who came on stage twice to enchant children and adults alike with excerpts of The Love of Three Oranges. JenCarlos, the young vocal talent presently at The New World School of the Arts, closed the list of performances with a vibrant concert held at 5 p.m.
A canyon slide, face painting, balloon animals, and an arts and crafts table for children were some of the ongoing activities that turned this day into a major friend-raising event! Gingerbread cookie decoration was available thanks to the generous contribution of Johnson & Wales University. In the center of the courtyard, a 10’ giant balloon displaying different children faces as representation of the universality of childhood, created by artist Leonel Matheu, served as powerful tool to raise awareness about child abuse issues. Voices Toy Drive, ongoing at Village of Merrick Park until December 18, was also a success.
“We are delighted at the extraordinary response from diverse members of our community who came together for our cause. We hope A Festival of Voices: A Children’s Celebration will become a traditional holiday event which will help us achieve full representation for the kids in foster care system for years to come,” concluded Rodriguez.
For more information about Voices For Children visit www.voices4.org or call 305.324.5678. To become a Guardian Ad Litem call 305.638. 6861.
Voices For Children Foundation is a non-profit organization that raises funds to ensure that every abused, abandoned and neglected child in Miami-Dade County has a court appointed Guardian Ad Litem and that financial assistance and other resources are available for their accompanying health, educational, and social needs. Guardians Ad Litem are trained, court appointed volunteers who serve as the representative voice for abused, abandoned and neglected children involved in juvenile court proceedings. While an average of 2,100 children are served by the approximate 500 Guardian Ad Litem volunteers yearly, there are nearly 3,800 children involved in court proceedings who need representation. Be a Voice.
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Sponsors included HSBC and The Miami Herald/ EL Nuevo Herald.
With the support the City of Coral Gables.
With the support of the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, the Cultural Affairs Council, the Mayor, and the Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners.
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