Thank you to all of our Gala sponsors. Your support for our Mission is greatly appreciated and valued.
Silver Sponsor
Bronze Sponsors
https://www.socialedgeconsulting.com
https://www.iorioconstructioncompany.com
https://district7505.org/clubinfo/point-pleasant
We have some truly exciting and heartfelt news to share with you. Downey Side was recently featured in a full-page article in the Asbury Park Press, and this incredible moment is thanks to two very special young men—James and Julian—who were adopted through Downey Side in 2019 by their very devoted mother, Carla Oliveira.
Carla has been nothing short of extraordinary, and the boys are a reflection of her love and dedication. In fact, they are among the youngest we have ever seen achieve the rank of Eagle Scout—a remarkable accomplishment in itself. But what makes their story even more meaningful is why they chose their Eagle Scout projects.
James and Julian have not forgotten their journey. They remember the many foster homes, the constant moving, the bullying, the fear of the unknown, and the pain of being the “new kid” time and time again. They remember the long transitions, new schools, new homes—and how overwhelming and isolating it all felt.
So, they decided to make a difference.
With compassion beyond their years, they created “placement day” backpacks and “adoption finalization” luggage for children exiting foster care for adoption. These are not just bags, they are thoughtful, intentional gifts designed to bring comfort, dignity, and reassurance during some of the most uncertain moments in a child’s life.
The placement backpacks are filled with essentials: hygiene items, school supplies, games, a towel, and more—many personalized with the Downey Side logo. The adoption finalization luggage is just as meaningful, including a stuffed angel to remind each child they are never alone, a comfort blanket, books on adoption, games, and keepsakes from their special day so they can always remember the people who stood beside them.
This was their way of giving back—and of saying thank you to Downey Side for helping them find the loving family they always deserved. Their story is a powerful reminder of what your support makes possible.
Come out and enjoy an evening of a dinner buffet, cocktails and a live auction to win amazing prices. Prices are $150 per person if purchased in advance and $175 at the door.
Online tickets are now closed. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door for $175.
Friends,
We waited a long time for this adoption, and I think 11-year-old Jacob’s caseworker, Liz, said it best:
“HE’S ADOPTED! I’ve still got tears in my eyes. What a great day!”
Congratulations to the Cummings-Knutson family! We are absolutely overjoyed and so grateful to celebrate this long-awaited forever family moment with you.
BRICK – Like many parents, Jim Perone helped his daughter Selena prepare for her driving test.
Like many kids, Selena chafed a bit at her father’s way of going about it.
“Even with me being a new driver, he can be a back-seat driver,” the 17-year-old said. “But other than that, I’ll give him credit: No one was injured in the process of me learning.”
Selena got her license – and even aced the parallel parking portion of the test. It’s a big moment for any family, but it carried an extra layer of significance for Jim and his wife Melissa. For a time, the Brick residents wondered if they ever would be parents. After dealing with fertility struggles and then the challenges of trying to adopt a baby in the U.S., they decided to take the road less traveled and adopt an older child.
Thank you to all of our volunteer committee, our sponsors and all of our supporters and attendees. Your participation in our event made it a success!
Sponsors
Friends of The Gala
Dawn Rusinko, our NY/NJ Director speaks at the New Jersey Adoption Summit about Downey Side’s Mission and the children in foster care that we place into adoptive homes.
LAVALLETTE — For more than 50 years, Downey Side Adoption has been bringing together families and older kids in the country’s foster care system.
In June, the nonprofit, which has a New Jersey location in Lavallette, will be holding its Red Gala & Casino Night fundraiser to collect money which goes directly to the agency’s mission of matching older foster children with permanent, loving homes.
We are thrilled that our NY/NJ Director, Dawn Rusinko was featured in February’s 2025 edition of The Provider’s Council Newspaper. Check out the full article on page 3 by clicking here.
