HELPING FAMILIES ADOPT
`The Gift Goes On' event leads to adoption for Yukon family
Yukon family discusses the benefits of The Gift Goes On fundraiser event
For two years, a metroarea family worked to raise funds to fulfill their dream of adopting a child.
Matt and Katie Harder, along with their family and friends, sold handmade cards, bath scrubs, lip glosses, jars of homemade cookies and other items at their booth at “The Gift Goes On,” a one-day holiday shopping event at The Cube at Council Road Baptist Church.
The Yukon family named their booth Miles to Millie because they wished to adopt a daughter t hey planned to name Millie.
In May, Millie, a 4-yearold girl from China, was welcomed into her forever family.
“It's surreal. I'm just thankful for her,” Katie Harder said recently.
“I always say I cant believe we went this far without her.”
The Gift Goes On returns on Tuesday.
From 6 to 9 p.m. at The Cube at Council Road Baptist, 7903 NW 30 in Bethany, people may shop for holiday themed items and other things. A portion of the event proceeds goes to the Karis Adoption Fund, which matches funds for Christian families adopting children.
Katie Harder said The Gift Goes On always will be special to her family because it helped them raise part of the money they needed to adopt Millie. The Karis Adoption Fund matched the money they raised. The family, members of Council Road Baptist, won't have a booth this year, but they will be serving as volunteers. Harder said they have been blessed by the event and the Karis Adoption Fund in countless ways.
“Honestly, it would have taken us a lot longer to get here. We were able to get her in about a year and a half so we're really grateful,” she said.
Carisa Wilsie, chairman of The Gift Goes On and Karis Adoption Fund, said people who visit Tuesday's event will be able to shop for items provided by 30 vendors. Food trucks also will be on hand. She said shoppers will find accessories, jewelry, leather goods, clothing, home decor and food items for sale and they may participate in a silent auction and raffle.
Wilsie said one adoption can cost a family up to $50,000. Karis, gives grants, matching grants or no- interest loans for an adoption, depending on the family's need. The Karis Adoption Fund began in 2012 with support from Council Road Baptist. More t han 1 20 children have found families through the program since its 2012 inception.
The fundraising goal for this year's The Gift Goes On event is $85,000. Last year, $77,000 was raised.
Focusing on love
Katie Harder said her family saw a picture of Millie, then 3, and they were immediately taken with her.
She said the child has Down syndrome, and they initially felt some concern about that.
However, they could not get her out of their minds. Harder said they reached out to families who have a child with Down syndrome to talk about their concerns, and one mother's piece of advice struck a nerve.
“She said don't let fear of the unknown get in the way of love. That just kind of stuck with me,” Harder said.
Eventually, the Harders traveled many miles to Qingdao, China, to bring their Millie home.
Katie Harder said the little girl fits right in with their family, which includes their sons, Knox, 8, and Canon, 6. She said the boys enjoy being big brothers and nurturing their new little sister.
“They've been excited since we started the process. They just love her, and they're like two little mother hens to her.”