GALA TRIBUTE 2026
and Art From the Heart Art Auction
What an extraordinary evening!
As I reflect on our Diamond Anniversary Gala, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. Ten years ago, The Friends of Foster Care began with a simple conviction: children in foster care deserve to thrive.
What started as one holiday phone call and a small Norfolk-based effort has grown into a statewide movement serving thousands of children and families each year. Our momentum and capacity to serve children in foster care has always been a reflection of the power that ordinary people have when they show up together.
This year’s gala was more than a celebration of the past decade. It was a reminder that the heart of TFFC is in our name: Friends. Friends who show up. Friends who stay. Friends who believe in children even when circumstances try to convince them otherwise.
Because of this community since 2016, we have:
- Served more than 5,000 youth
- Provided over 75,000 hours of individualized tutoring
- Sponsored more than 5,400 enrichment opportunities
- Fulfilled over 14,000 birthday and holiday wishes
These numbers represent hope taking root. They represent stability in seasons of instability. They represent children who now believe their futures are worth investing in.
As we step into our next decade, I am filled with confidence. Together, we are building a future where children in foster care are not defined by disruption, but by opportunity. Thank you for celebrating with us. Thank you for believing in this mission. And thank you for continuing to show up.
With deep gratitude,
Dr. Audra Bullock
Founder & CEO
The Friends of Foster Care
Special thanks to our band, VB Lane!
Special thanks to our emcee, Allen Fabijan!
Celebrating a Decade of Impact
The 2026 Diamond Anniversary Gala marked ten years of commitment to children and youth in foster care. The evening opened with the story of Josiah: a young person who once felt forgotten in the system, and who today stands as a leader, advocate, and college-bound scholar.
His journey reflects what happens when a community refuses to look away.
For ten years, TFFC has stood alongside foster families, social workers, educators, and community partners to ensure children are supported academically, emotionally, and socially. The gala was both a celebration of this work and a recommitment to the children still waiting for someone to show up.
Voices That Inspire
The evening featured powerful testimonies from leaders whose lives intersect deeply with foster care.
Each story underscored a powerful truth: the trajectory of a child’s life can change when community intervenes with intention.
Dr. Eugene Holloman
An adoptive father and cybersecurity professional, Dr. Holloman shared his reflections on family, perseverance, and purpose.
Cheri Krawczyk
Executive Director of the Princess Anne Family YMCA, Cheri highlighted the importance of safe spaces and strong partnerships.
Dr. Terry Morris
A former foster youth and NASA systems engineer, Dr. Morris delivered a stirring reminder that when foster youth are given stability and belief, their potential is limitless.
Melvin Roy
TFFC’s Independent Living Coordinator, Melvin presented the Outstanding Youth Achievement Award and spoke to the transformative power of investment in young people.
Honoring Extraordinary Committment
Special Honoree: Sarah Bishop
We were honored to recognize our board member Sarah Bishop, a lifelong social worker and steadfast community leader whose decades of service; including 27 years on the board of Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters and extensive leadership across our region reflect her unwavering commitment to children and families. Sarah embodies the steady, compassionate presence that transforms systems and strengthens communities, and her legacy of advocacy continues to shape brighter futures for youth in foster care.
Volunteer of the Decade: Liza Delpierre
A founding board member and architect of our tutoring program, Liza has given over a thousand volunteer hours in service to foster youth. Her leadership helped shape TFFC’s early structure and continues to influence our academic programming today.
Tutor of the Decade: Sandra Hall
Since 2016, Sandra has provided nearly 800 hours of one-on-one instruction to 40 foster youth. Her dedication reflects the heart of our tutoring model: consistent, trauma-informed, individualized support delivered by professional educators.
Partner of the Decade: Norfolk Department of Human Services
What began as a conversation about one child’s holiday gift evolved into a decade-long public-private partnership serving thousands. Norfolk DHS has been instrumental in ensuring that every child in foster care is connected to meaningful resources and community support.
Outstanding Youth Achievement : Josiah Hill
Josiah graduated at the top of his class and now advocates for youth through SPEAKOUT and RISE for Youth. A published poet and emerging author, he is shaping policy conversations while pursuing his own educational goals.
Josiah graduated at the top of his class and now advocates for youth through SPEAKOUT and RISE for Youth. A published poet and emerging author, he is shaping policy conversations while pursuing his own educational goals.
Visual Artist of the Year : Sury
For her powerful piece, “Crecimiento y Cambio – Growth and Change.”
Literary Artist of the Year: Talasha
For her moving poem, “Home, If Even Just for a While,” capturing the longing for belonging so many foster youth experience.
Gratitude to Our Sponsors
We extend heartfelt thanks to our sponsors, whose generosity made this evening possible.
Children’s Champion
Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters
Thank You to Our Platinum Sponsors
Thank You to Our Gold Sponsors
Thank You to Our Silver Sponsors
And ‘Thank You’ to our Bronze Sponsors, Table Sponsors, Auction Donors, Volunteers, and Board of Directors. This milestone celebration reflects your belief in this mission.
