Gladney Celebrates 115 Years With A Family-Centered, Grand Opening Celebration

Gladney Center for Adoption
Saturday, 2 November 2002

The greenscape of southwest Fort Worth showcases a new landmark-The Gladney Center for Adoption campus - which was completed April 30, 2002. The ribbon cutting ceremony and grand opening celebration will happen on November 2, 2002 at 11:00 a.m. at the front entrance of the new facility. This year also marks the organization's 115th Anniversary, celebrating the oldest adoption agency of its kind in the nation, with a mission to "create bright futures through adoption."

The 115th Anniversary/Grand Opening Celebration has been planned to host Gladney families from across the country, providing them a memorable weekend honoring past, present and future achievements. The two-day schedule is fully stocked with Fort Worth-family fun, including a special time for the local community to visit the new campus during the festivities on Saturday, November 2, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

For the first event, Gladney families will be treated to a private party at Texas Wild!®, the Fort Worth Zoo's signature exhibit. Moms, dads and their children will be transported back to the old-western town by train, and step off into a Texas-style gathering complete with rope tricks, Texas critters, square dancers and barbecue. The following morning, attendees will witness the ribbon cutting by 115 adoptees of all ages, signaling a new era for the organization. To finish off the celebration, Gladney couples will enjoy a Gala dinner planned at the Renaissance Worthington Hotel, where notable individuals will be inducted into The Gladney Fund's Hall of Fame.

The new facility was designed not only to improve overall services for adoptive families and birth mothers, but also strengthen Gladney's commitment to Fort Worth, and the adoption community worldwide. Upon opening, this new facility is the most comprehensive center for adoption services in the nation, featuring a state-of-the-art maternity center, dining room, community center, counseling center, education building, swimming pool and pavilion.

The visual focal point of the new Center is an atrium entry, featuring a Visitor's Center with museum-quality displays, documenting 100 years of adoption history in Texas. The Center honors the past, present and future of adoption, and its positive impact for Gladney families, the North Texas community, and the nation.

For more information, or to contact Gladney Center for Adoption, see their website at: www.ednagladney.org