Chosen Inc. to Celebrate Foster, Adoptive Families at Feb. 24 “Open Hearts, Open Homes” Gala

February 07, 2024
Waukesha, Wis. – The “family” of Chosen Inc. (“Chosen”), a non-profit ministry dedicated to helping and celebrating foster and adoptive families, will gather Feb. 24 to support the organization’s work on behalf of these unique family-building journeys.

The sixth annual Open Hearts, Open Homes Gala begins at 5:30 p.m. at Davians, N56-W16300 Silver Spring Drive, Menomonee Falls. The evening of live music, food, friends and fun will focus on three key areas of Chosen’s community outreach. Attendees can participate in silent and live auctions, a wine pull, 50/50 raffle, and photo booths for take-home lasting memories.

The Espresso Band, comprised of local musicians Enzo Scarano, Dave Zabler and Gale Kramer, will provide a grooving backdrop to the evening. Their vibe coincides with the Gala’s Hollywood jazz theme - attendees with purple or gold apparel are entered to win a special prize!

Tickets are available through Feb. 9 at https://bit.ly/chosengala2024. Table sponsorships are available, including a “Night Out Reserved Table” of eight seats for $650. Super table sponsors (eight seats for $800) receive preferred seating and significant marketing exposure.

The Open Hearts, Open Homes Gala will highlight inspiring personal stories from families, donors and social workers about Chosen’s impact. An “Image Maker Challenge” will support three key prongs of the organization’s outreach:
  • The Family Closet, Chosen’s largest initiative, which has given away nearly 60,000 pieces of clothing and children’s goods from locations in Waukesha and West Allis
  • Toypalooza, a December event that provides a newly-wrapped toy to every child, and allows families to “shop” (for free) for winter clothing and holiday needs. Eight hundred  toys, and more than 2,100 items of winter gear, have been given to 300 families.
  • Vacation Bible School, which brings together foster and adoptive children every summer at a local church to share the love of Christ, and create community with each other.
The Open Hearts, Open Homes Gala is the largest fund-raiser for Chosen’s hands-on programs, support and outreach to foster and adoptive families, and educational initiatives in the community. The event promises to once again be filled with warmth and encouragement centered around “Fostering Forever Families.”

“We are thrilled to gather again with our supporters, and thank them for empowering our outreach to foster and adoptive families,” said Karen Schlindwein, Vice-President of Education and Development for Chosen. “They make all of our accomplishments possible.”

A multitude of sponsors make the gala happen: CT Access, The Edge Contracting, Exciting Events, Flowers by Cammy, Grady, Hayes & Neary LLC, Just FORE Kids, Norris Beyond Fostering, Once Upon a Child – Brookfield, Ozinga Foundation, Ed and Kristin Sarskas, Waukesha County Foster Care, We Energies Foundation and Wellpoint Care Network.

Chosen is dedicated to educating the public about the impact of adoption and fostering, and providing spiritual, material, and emotional support to families who have chosen these oft-misunderstood paths. Serving 13 counties, Chosen shares resource referrals to other organizations and professionals to help meet the needs of adoptive and foster families.

More information about Chosen is available at www.choseninlove.org, by calling (262) 724-6736, or following on Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube.
Contact:
Karen Schlindwein
karen@choseninlove.org, (262) 853-1078