All in the Family.

Hollywood

by Janet Donovan | on September 14th, 2012 |

Video by senior contributor Brendan Kownacki

Commentary by Erica Adams: That’s right! Katherine Heigl, her husband Josh Kelley, People Magazine, and Ne-Yo “hopped on a plane at LAX” and landed right here in Washington, DC to take the stage at the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute “Angles in Adoption” Gala, to accept their awards as Adoption Angels.

The award was granted to those who “made an extraordinary contribution on behalf of children in need of homes.” Steven Curtis Chapman kicked off the night by mounting the stage and performing his own song, “Cinderella,” dedicated to his daughter.

Over a steaming plate of filet mignon, followed by a drizzled chocolate pyramid, the room was moved by the touching words of RJ, an adopted young adult, who is a living example of a foster child who was saved by the one person who was willing to make a difference. His words inspired the hearts of many in the audience including the celebrities.

People Magazine was honored for their influential stories involving adoption and foster care throughout the years. People’s Executive Editor Betsy Gleick humbly explained that the magazine “has simply been the bearer of these beautiful adoption stories.”

Ne-Yo

The second 2012 Angel in Adoption award was granted to Shaffer Chimere Smith, better known as Ne-Yo for using his fame to establish the Compound Foundation to provide bright futures to children and “help them realize their dreams.” He thanked his own mother for “not just being a great mom, but for being a great person.”

The 3rd 2012 Angel in Adoption award was granted to “Grey’s Anatomy” star, Katherine Heigl, and her musician husband, Josh Kelley. The two have been no strangers to foster care after the adoption of their two adorable daughters Adalaide Marie Hope and Naleigh.

The actress grew up with her adopted sister Meg. “It’s nice for us to participate in something that means something for a change,” admitted Heigl before quoting Senator Maria Landrieu by mentioning, “it doesn’t matter what a family looks like, but everyone should know what a family feels like, and there are so many children that don’t.”

Senator Mary Landrieu

Senator Mary Landreiu shared that families come in all shapes, sizes and configurations and this seemed to be a dominant theme as celebrants talked about their children.

Ne-Yo has a pair, and Heigl shared that her two adopted daughters are growing up quickly. Steven Curtis Chapman who was set to entertain for the evening has both biological and adopted children……….but above all, the lesson was that these families are units full of love.

The night was devoted to service of children in need both in the United States and around the world and even as we inch closer to the election, it was agreed on that this was one issue that everyone should be able to agree on outside of politics.

In their words: