In support of National Adoption Month, Raise- AChild.US will host two free and informative events for prospective foster and adoptive parents on Tuesday, Dec. 2, in Claremont and on Wednesday, Dec. 3, in Hollywood.

RaiseAChild.US is a nonprofit organization that encourages the LGBT community and all persons equally to build families through fostering and adoption to serve the needs of the 400,000 children in the U.S. foster care system.

The upscale events will feature a parent panel and resource tables from local foster and adoptive agencies. Hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will be provided. The events will run from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

The Dec. 2 event will take place at the historic Garner House in Memorial Park at 840 N. Indian Hill Blvd., Claremont. At this event, RaiseAChild.US will partner with agencies Five Acres and the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services.

The Dec. 3 event will be held at the Ricardo Montalbàn Theatre in Hollywood. The Ricardo Montalbàn Foundation and Theatre focus on “providing educational opportunities and promoting employment for artists dedicated to the performing arts and to producing, presenting and supporting outstanding, meaningful and world class live presentations that emphasize artistic collaboration, diversity and interdisciplinary work with community participation.”

“The upcoming holiday season is a special time when people think about family and family building,” says RaiseAChild.US Founder and Chief Executive Officer Rich Valenza, who adopted a 5-year-old girl and 6-yearold boy from foster care before founding the organization.

“Our goal is to find safe and loving homes for these children and we know that nontraditional family formations are another solid and proven answer to this national crisis.”

RaiseAChild.US appreciates the support and participation of our agency and community partners, including Five Acres, Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services, Penny Lane Centers, Southern California Family Foster Adoption Agency, Vista Del Mar Child & Family Services, The Village Family Services, and Westside Children’s Center. Additional partners include Huffington Post Gay Voices, Gay Parent Magazine, The Fight Magazine and New York Life.

To RSVP for either event, visit RaiseAChild.US.