Oct. 20, 2008

Poignant portraits of 32 children who are up for adoption – 10 of them from Westchester - will continue to be on display throughout the month of October in other areas, and photos of the children can be viewed on line. Photographers volunteered to take portraits of the children and produced a video/multimedia presentation highlighting them.

“We need people to open their homes and their hearts to these children,” said County Executive Andy Spano. “Some of these kids are older or have special needs so they are harder to place, but all of these children deserve a chance to have a family life.’’

Photographs for this year’s exhibit were taken by Caroline Almeida, Myles Pinkney, Tamme Stitt and Theresa Terilli. A video, which will appear on video screens in the mall food court, was shot by Charlie Bruzzese, John Koster, Jim Wornell and produced and edited by Caroline Almeida. Bob Murawski of Kodak donated the printing and Suzanne Kurz of Carole's Kitchen of Sleepy Hollow donated refreshments for the Westchester reception.

“Heart Gallery” is part of a larger effort by the county to find homes for hard-to-place children. To find out more about adopting a child in Westchester call (914) 995-5303. View portraits and short profiles of the children.    
                                                          
Below are other locations where the portraits will be exhibited in coming weeks:

Rockland County
Oct. 25
Palisades Center Mall, 1000 Palisades Center Drive, West Nyack
For more information, call (845) 486-3076

Dutchess County
Oct. 31- Nov. 2
Poughkeepsie Galleria mall (Center court)
Route 9, Poughkeepsie
For more information call, (845) 486-3076

Ulster County
Nov. 6-8
Holiday Inn
503 Washington Ave., Kingston
For more information, call (845) 291-2808

Putnam County
Nov. 19-22
Tilly Foster Farm/Putnam Arts Council
Route 312, Brewster
For more information, call (845) 255-7040 ext. 1258