The Tidewater Friends of Foster Care Team wishes to convey our heartfelt thanks to all of the 2025 Foster Care Aware Gala supporters. This incredible evening of celebration and reflection reminded us that the heart of TFFC is in our name—”Friends.” This gathering highlighted the fact that together we are Friends of children, Friends of families, and Friends of a cause that transforms lives every day. This night was not just a gala; it was a testament to the power of community and the extraordinary impact we have created together.
Because of our generous supporters since 2016, we served over 4500 youth, providing over 60,000 hours of tutoring, sponsoring thousands of youth in extracurricular activities and summer camps, and fulfilling over 11,500 birthday and holiday wishes. These numbers represent more than services—they signify stability, opportunity, and hope for children who need it most. To all those in attendance and all those who were with us in spirit that evening, we thank you for being change-makers in our community.
Special thanks to our emcee, Allen Fabijan!
Celebrating Our Special Honorees
Our Partner of the Year
The Partner of the Year award went to REACH, Inc., accepted by REACH Executive Director Dr. Jennifer Goff, whose partnership with TFFC has allowed us to distribute over 4000 books – one with each birthday and holiday gift given – to children in foster care.
Our Statewide Impact Award Honoree
Anne Ferrell Tata, accepted by Bob Tata: The Statewide Impact Award celebrates the tireless efforts of those implementing innovative policies, spearheading systemic reforms, and demonstrating unwavering dedication to improving the lives of children in foster care across our state.
Our Very Special Honoree
Robert McCartney, CEO of the James Barry Robinson Institute, was celebrated our evening’s special honoree for his exemplary service within the foster care community. As the Chief Executive Officer of The James Barry-Robinson Institute, Rob is widely recognized for spearheading the organization’s groundbreaking work with military-connected youth and their families, as well as foster families.
An Evening of Amazing Speakers
Richard Litton
Richard Litton is the President of Harbor Group International, where he oversees the company’s day-to-day operations and plays a key role in institutional capital raising. Beyond his professional achievements, Richard is the devoted father of 3 biological and 2 adopted children. During the gala, Richard shared his family’s journey, offering a heartfelt glimpse into the realities of foster care and adoption.
Adam Starks
We had the profound privilege of hearing Dr. Adam Starks share his powerful testimony of the influence supportive adults can have on a foster child’s outcomes. His story, rooted in resilience, hope, and the unwavering belief in the potential of every child, reminded us why we do this work. Having navigated the foster care system himself, Dr. Starks brought an authenticity and depth of understanding that resonated deeply, shedding light on both the challenges and triumphs of those in foster care.
The Awardees of the Night
Artist of the Year : “Jacob”
During the gala, TFFC had the honor of presenting Jacob with the Artist of the Year award for his powerful piece, Duffle Bag; his piece depicted a small duffle bag—the same kind often used to carry all of the belongings of a foster child as they move from home to home.
Volunteer of the Year: Lisa Edwards-Soblotne
TFFC benefits from over 1,000 hours of volunteer service annually, and Lisa Edwards-Soblotne has been a standout among them; she has selflessly dedicated hundreds of hours to our gifting project, ensuring that every birthday and holiday package is wrapped with care and love, bringing joy to children who often go without.
Tutor of the Year : Nadine Joyner
Since joining TFFC as a tutor in 2019, Nadine Joyner has provided 1,144 hours of individualized instruction to 24 students, guiding them through academic challenges and helping them reach critical milestones.
Outstanding Youth Achievement : Michael Patterson
This year’s honoree is a very special young man who entered foster care at just 11 years old in 2015, facing challenges that would have discouraged many. He navigated group homes, battled frustration with a system that often felt unfair, and struggled to find his place in the world when his mother passed away. But instead of letting those struggles define him, Michael found the strength to rise above them. Through sheer determination, he graduated high school and is now in his third year of college at Norfolk State University, studying sociology with a minor in criminal justice. He has aspirations of becoming a social worker or a homicide detective —dedicating his life to understanding and improving the very system he once struggled against.
A Special Reading by Literary Artist, “Josiah”
Old Soul by “Josiah”
People called me an old soul growing up
I think they didn’t know how to say
You are a young soul,
Who has already tasted pain
In a way no child should and that made me old
They didn’t know how to say
I’m sorry you had to grow up so fast
I’m sorry your childhood couldn’t last
I’m sorry you don’t know how to scream
In grocery stores and cry over spilled ice cream
I’m sorry you know better than to act your age
And maturity is such a cage
I’m sorry your soul has withered and wrinkled
It will never be as young as it was,
As it would have been
But they can’t say that to a child
So they bottle it up in a turn of phrase.
They called me an old soul and made it sound like praise
Thank You to Our Presenting Sponsor
Anthony Walters
President and CEO of YMCA South Hampton Roads
Thank You to Our Diamond Sponsors
Thank You to Our Gold Sponsors
