During the planning of our big weekend of events for our 125th anniversary year, we briefly envisioned dozens of cakes and 125 blazing anniversary candles to mark the notable occasion.
 
But, ultimately, we had a better idea: Counting our 125 years of blessings, instead.
 
Starting the list of blessings are the 5,000+ Gladney friends, staff, board, volunteers, parents, grandparents, birthmothers and children of all ages who were able to join us over three beautiful days to celebrate GLADNEY'S ADOPTION MAGIC since 1887.
 
THURSDAY'S BLESSINGS: A warm spring evening welcomed Gladney families and friends to Skittle.
The125th festivities kicked off with the squeals of children's laughter on Thursday, April 26, at the 30th annual Dallas Gladney Family Association (GFA) Skittle fundraiser at Six Flags Over Texas. Since 1982, the Dallas GFA members have blessed Skittle with their energy and passion as hosts for an always- successful FAMILY evening -- with no lines to stand in anywhere! A portion of ticket sales - all purchased by Gladney families and friends - benefits Gladney each year. Last year's net was almost $84,000 in 2011. We're still counting for 2012!
 
FRIDAY'S BLESSINGS: Staff-led forums enlightened families and GFA leaders about new possibilities.
Two unique activities drew families and valuable GFA volunteers to the Gladney campus on our second day of celebration. Some parents toured Gladney's beautiful campus and residential center for birth mothers, and others participated in free educational forums on a variety of topics of particular interest to adoptive families. Staff and knowledgeable volunteers shared information about HERITAGE TRIPS, clarified the process for adult adoptees and birth mothers wishing to participate in the Gladney ADOPTION REGISTRY, and demonstrated ideas for creating ADOPTION LIFEBOOKS for their children.
 
Meanwhile, a few blocks away, 40 GFA officers were attending a one-day GFA LEADERSHIP RETREAT at Mira Vista Country Club to network, share best practices, meet with Gladney staff and plan their upcoming calendar of GFA events. A huge thank you reverberates still to these dedicated volunteers from all across the country who raise money to support Gladney, connect adoptive families in their communities and raise awareness for adoption.
 
Many families spent the afternoon exploring the Fort Worth Stockyards, the Fort Worth Zoo, the Museum of Science and History and other local family attractions.
 
SATURDAY'S BLESSINGS: Gladney's grounds reverberated with music, dancing, and crazy family fun.
On this final, FULL day, hundreds of families checked in for a "coming home" day of celebration that included the updated Cailloux Family Visitors Center, Texas-renowned Joe T. Garcia's Mexican food, myriad entertainment, kid-friendly fun and cultural experiences for everyone. Continuous activities offered throughout the morning and afternoon included shopping in the Gladney boutique... pony rides... a petting zoo full of rabbits, chickens, goats and piglets... train rides... a photo booth for silly mementoes of the day... a caricature artist... bouncy houses for all ages... a bungee run... Velcro wall...face-painting...and plenty of arts & crafts activities.
 
The array of talented entertainment included Ethiopian dancers, square dancers, ballet dancers and the JK Wong Academy of Asian-Chinese dragon performers. Experiential activities included an Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony and storytelling with working therapy dogs. Over 650 Gladney friends enjoyed the beautiful day, greeting old friends and meeting new ones. Big thanks go to the "Welcome Home" committee, led by co-chairs Ashley Stern and Becca Smith.
 
SATURDAY EVENING'S BLESSINGS: Parents and friends dolled up to celebrate the best among us.
The Omni Hotel in Downtown Fort Worth was home of the 125th Anniversary Gala, a fitting finale to a grand celebration weekend. The ballroom was filled with 300 Gladney friends and family members gathered for a memorable evening of dinner and dance, where they honored new Friends of Adoption - TCU's Dr. Karyn Purvis and Fort Worth's own Kori and Pat Green; and new inductees into the Gladney Hall of Fame- former Gladney president Mike McMahon; and perennial volunteers - former Fund board chair Joan Katz and Gladney Cup founder Howard Katz.
 
Perhaps the favorite moments of the evening were delivered by those who introduced this year's honorees, offering an inside look at the significant role of each in shaping Gladney's future through a series of game-changing contributions.
 
Rounding off the 125th anniversary awards, the National Council for Adoption (NCFA) announced Gladney Center's selection for induction into the NCFA Hall of Fame.
 
Special appreciation goes to those who purchased mystery gift boxes for $125 each, a fundraising idea sponsored the new Gladney Adult Adoptee Group - proceeds to Gladney, of course. One lucky buyer found a beautiful Breitling watch inside.
 
Finally, hats off to Master of Ceremonies Chuck Dannis and the Gala Committee, led by chair Ann Louden.