Rhode Island Family Court Chief Judge Michael B. Forte and the Rhode Island Judiciary will be sponsoring a special event to celebrate the 13th National Adoption Day on Saturday, November 19. Home will coincide with events being planned across the United States on this day to draw attention to the adoption process and the large number of children available for adoption. The Court will be finalizing 24 adoptions with 21 different families.

The Celebration will begin at 9 a.m. on the 5th floor of The Garrahy Judicial Complex. Speakers include Chief Judge Michael B. Forte of Rhode Island Family Court; Chief Justice Paul Suttell, Supreme Court; Elizabeth Roberts, Secretary, Executive Office of Health and Human Services, and Jamia McDonald, Department of Children, Youth and Families; special guests Nick, Ron and Pete Cardi; Markia Furtado-Rahill who will be singing the theme song, “Home,” from The Wiz; and the O’Connor family with their three adopted daughters who will speak about their family’s experience with adoption. Also, other attractions will be available.

Many local sponsors are involved: Dunkin Brands; Hasbro; PAWS, Pawtucket Red Sox; Cardi Brothers, Cardis Furniture Cares; Adoption Rhode Island; Pepsi; Pinkberry; Foster Forward; CVS; Jersey Mikes; Deb Bettencourt Photography; Kay Jewelers; Arrow Florist; Balloonatic; Princess Elsa and Olaf; B. Pinellis; Providence Childrens Museum; The English Muffin; Luigis Restaurant.

For more information, contact Linda Lynch, Director of Women’s Services Department, RI Family Court 458-5026 or llynch@courts.ri.gov.