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For Immediate Release:
August 18, 2006
Contact: Deborah Scott
(573) 751-4815
Kansas City - Beginning Monday, August 21, Missouri’s adoption Heart Gallery will bring photos of children awaiting permanent homes to two shopping malls in the Kansas City area. The gallery, which began its tour throughout the state in May, will be on exhibit for two weeks in the Independence Center and Ward Parkway Shopping Mall.
The Heart Gallery features photos of Missouri children who are awaiting adoption. The photos were taken by professional photographers who donated their time and talent for photo sessions that depict the personality and spirit of each child. The gallery is sponsored by The Adoption Exchange-Missouri in collaboration with the Missouri Children's Division. The Adoption Exchange is a private group dedicated to connecting prospective adoptive parents with children who are waiting for homes.
Governor Matt Blunt and his wife, Melanie, have been strong supporters of the Heart Gallery, premiering the gallery in Jefferson City and also attending the opening of the gallery in their home town of Springfield. Gov. Blunt became familiar with similar galleries in other states and urged that one be developed for Missouri.
“I am pleased to see that the Heart Gallery is generating interest among prospective adoptive families in Missouri,” Blunt said. “The Adoption Exchange has received many calls asking for information about how to provide these children with ‘forever homes.’ I encourage Kansas Citians to visit the gallery while it is in their area.”
Kansas City is the gallery’s third stop. Since the premier in Jefferson City in May, it has traveled to St. Louis, where it was displayed in two shopping centers in June, and Springfield, where it was on display in late July and early August at two YMCA facilities.
The gallery will be on display in Kansas City from August 21 through September 1. The gallery then travels to Joplin, where it will be displayed from mid-September until early October.
