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Tuesday March 9, 2010

Release Date: 03.09.10 | Location: All Metro Atlanta | Organization: Families First

Inspirations for The Blind Side to Dine for a Difference

12th annual fundraiser will feature Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy, offer hope to thousands of foster children in Georgia

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Starring the also Oscar-nominated Sandra Bullock as Leigh Anne Tuohy and partially filmed in Atlanta, The Blind Side tells the remarkable story of Michael Oher, a homeless teenager whom the Tuohy's met one frigid winter evening and later adopted. The love and support of Michael's new family combined with his talent and determination spurred him on to achieve his dreams. With hard work and ambition he became a first-round NFL draft pick for the Baltimore Ravens last year.

"In our house, we believe in miracles," said Sean Tuohy. "We also believe individuals and communities can unite so that forgotten children don't slip through the cracks. Dining for a Difference offers Georgians the opportunity to be a part of the solution - helping find permanent homes for foster children."

Georgia has thousands of foster children in similar situations to the young Michael Oher. As these children wait for permanent homes, love and support from foster parents can create a much-needed sense of security and enable children to reach their full potential and personal goals for success.

Two such foster parents are John and Polly Lewis, who will receive the 2010 Humanitarian Award at the event in recognition of their unwavering dedication to children in need. Since 1972, the Decatur couple has taken in more than 80 children, many of whom have gone on to receive college degrees and have families of their own. No child, no matter his or her condition was turned away.

"John and I were so happy to open our doors and our hearts to these children," said Polly Lewis. "They needed help, and with the support of Families First and good case workers, we were able to give these kids a chance. Fostering wasn't always easy, but we prayed for God's strength to get us through and felt blessed to do the work."

This year's event will also award education scholarships to three young people participating in Families First programs:

• Jessica Monroe will receive the Carol Dunlap Reiser Scholarship. A full time student at Atlanta Perimeter College, Jessica is pursuing a general studies degree with plans to specialize in business administration.
• Rebecca Geber will also receive the Carol Dunlap Reiser Scholarship. An avid reader and writer, Rebecca plans to become an ultrasound technician.
• Zada Wheat will be awarded the Karen N. Sibley Scholarship. Zada, who has lived with the Lewis' for the last five years, plans to attend a four-year college and aspires to become a nurse.

Dining for a Difference is supported by presenting sponsor Comcast Cable. Tickets are very limited, but to check availability or make an online contribution, visit www.familiesfirst.org or call (404) 853-2809. Proceeds will help Families First continue to provide solutions that strengthen children and families in our community.

About Families First:
Families First is the leading non-profit family service agency in Georgia. The agency delivers empowering and sustainable solutions for children and families-improving child well-being and family self-sufficiency. We are the leading because we've served metro Atlanta for more than 120 years, and we assist more than 40,000 children and families each year-more than any other family service agency in Georgia. For more information about Families First and our solutions for children and families, visit www.familiesfirst.org. Find Families First on Facebook and Twitter.