Gala Brings Powerful Voices for Iowa Children Waiting to be Adopted from Foster Care
Updated: Sep 11
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dr. Diana Lang, Executive Director/Founder
AMES, Iowa, September 10, 2026
Iowa Farm Bureau, Title Sponsor, and Iowans for Adoption invite the public to attend the From Hope to Home Gala on Thursday, September 17, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. at Reiman Gardens in Ames, Iowa. The event will bring together community members, parents, families, child advocates, local supporters, and organizations committed to helping Iowa children find safe, loving, permanent families.
Please join us to hear two powerful voices whose lives and work are deeply connected to adoption, child welfare, Safe Haven education, and human trafficking prevention: Rep. Brian K. Lohse and Ruth Eley.
Their stories are different, but their message meets in the same place: All children deserve safe, stable, nurturing, permanent families.
Rep. Brian K. Lohse brings both personal experience and public service to the evening. Brian grew up as the third of four adopted children. That lived experience has shaped his commitment to children and families throughout his career.
He has championed Iowa’s Safe Haven work, human trafficking prevention and education, and adoption policy changes. Those issues can feel complex from a distance. Brian’s voice helps connect the policy side with the human side. Behind every law, every resource, and every safety measure is a child who needs protection and a family that may need guidance.
Your Impact
Across Iowa, hundreds of children are waiting for permanent families through the foster care system. The From Hope to Home Gala connects inspiration with action. Guests will hear stories, share a meal, take part in auctions, and learn about needs across Iowa. The support raised helps Iowans for Adoption continue work that reaches children, families, and communities in direct ways.
Your support helps children move from foster care to adoption. That can include raising awareness about waiting children, encouraging families to learn more, and strengthening the bridge between interest and action.
Your support helps families navigate foster care and adoption. The process can be emotional, detailed, and unfamiliar. Families often need clear information, encouragement, and access to resources as they move through each stage.
Your support helps recruit more foster and adoptive families. Children waiting in care need people willing to ask serious questions, learn what is involved, and open their homes when the fit is right.
Your support helps with adoption finalization expenses. For some families, costs tied to finalization can create stress at an already important moment. Support can help reduce that burden.
Your support helps provide adoption and family resources. Families need support before, during, and after adoption. Resources can help caregivers understand trauma, attachment, grief, identity, sibling needs, and the importance of ongoing connection.
Your support helps educate the public about Iowa’s Safe Haven Act. Public education matters because people cannot use help they do not know exists. Clear information can protect infants, support parents in crisis, and connect communities with lifesaving knowledge.
An evening for connection and purpose
Event detail | Information |
Event | From Hope to Home Gala |
Date | Thursday, September 17, 2026 |
Complimentary garden stroll | 5:30 p.m. |
Main event | 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. |
Program | Dinner, speakers, auctions, and advocacy |
Location | Reiman Gardens in Ames, Iowa |
Title sponsor | Iowa Farm Bureau |
Formal, casual, or somewhere in between, showing up for kids is always in style. The dress code is not the point. The purpose is. A room filled with supporters sends a message that Iowa children are not invisible, families should not have to walk alone, and advocacy can turn passion into action.
Attend the gala, sponsor, donate, share, and make a difference for foster care and adoption.
Reserve your tickets or make a donation here: From Hope to Home Gala
Email info@IowansforAdoption.org to get involved or ask for help!
