The Founders
Our lives permanently changed in December 2006; changed in the most wonderful of ways with the addition of our adopted daughter, Sophie. We traveled to Yerevan, Armenia and spent the entire month there as we waded our way through government red tape, interviews, and court appearances. It was the culmination of nearly two full years of effort. What a wild ride. And what a reward for perseverance! Like many, our biggest hurdle would be money. We are so blessed to have Sophie in our lives now, but the truth of the matter, this adoption process was delayed for years because of money issues. We began to wonder how many are out there like us that either have to delay, or give up on this dream entirely because of similar challenges.
It is because we overcame what at times seemed to be insurmountable odds and because of the joy, love and blessing we feel when we simply look upon our daughter that we decided to do something, anything, to help others who are going through the process. That something is Sophie's Foundation.
There is no question we currently are living in financially sobering times. Not only are individuals struggling, but well established charities are faced with such shortfalls in their budgets they are forced to cut back staff and activities at best, and at worst have had to shut their doors. But we feel the sorrowful story of an orphan transcends the current economic difficulties. There is a parable that tells of two friends walking upon the beach. The tide has brought thousands of starfish upon the shore. One gentleman continues to reach down and pick up one starfish at a time and throw it back into the water. His friend, incredulous, asks him why bother since he can never get close to saving them all. To which the first man responds "I cannot help them all, but I helped that one."
In the summer of 2004 UNAIDS-UNICEF-USAID published a joint report titled "Children On The Brink." They estimated the number of orphans worldwide would exceed 140,000 million by 2010. Think of this number for a moment. It is nearly half the population of The United States. The ongoing scourge of AIDS in Africa and the grinding poverty that exists in so many places no matter how the richer countries in the world are doing will surely keep these figures way too high.
We will not be able to save them all. But we can help some. Our definition of success will be quite simple. If we are able to help one child, then all of this will be worth it. Certainly we have bigger goals, but it is important to keep all of this in perspective.
If you have any questions, comments or simply would like to learn more please Contact Us.