Page 48 December 2016 P LAY LOCAL. PLAY BALL. Online Registration is Now Open! REGISTER for the 201 7 Spring BASEBALL and SOFTBALL Season - B oys & Girls Ages 4-14 DON'T BE LATE... Registration Prices Increase After DECEMBER 31, 2016 Team Practices Begin Early February – Spring Season Runs Early March Through End of May Questions? Visit our NEW website or email us at Playball@ArcadiaLittleLeague.com www. ArcadiaLittleLeague.com By Rachael Bouley There are over 19,000 children in out-of- home care in the state of Arizona, a statistic that Arizona’s Children Association (AzCA) actively seeks to improve through a variety of programs and events, including its annual Dancing for Arizona’s Children dance competition and fundraiser. Founded in 1912 as Arizona Children’s Home, AzCA is one of the largest and oldest child welfare and behavioral health nonprofits in the state. Today, the organization serves over 42,000 children, families and individuals per year in all of the 15 state counties. AzCA believes that every child deserves a safe, permanent and supportive home. The nonprofit boasts over a dozen programs tailored to meet the needs of families and children across the state. Over 2,000 children have been placed in foster homes and another 389 children have been adopted through AzCA’s services. Moreover, AzCA serves individuals and families in need of counseling, behavioral coaching, respite and support services, as well as victims of sexual abuse. Kinship services, family preservation, parenting education and transitional youth services are additional programs provided by AzCA’s professionally trained staff. The second annual Dancing for Arizona’s Children is primarily focused on raising funds and awareness for the adoption, foster care and kinship programs. The event is presented by Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty and features influential business and community leaders as dance contestants. In true “Dancing with the Stars” fashion, the contestants will be paired with professional dance instructors to perform routines that will be voted on by a panel of professional judges, the audience, and votes purchased online. In addition to the competition, there will be performances by local youth dancers and introductions to some children currently in foster care who are in need of adoption. All proceeds from the event benefit AzCA’s “Strengthening Families” Fund, which in turn supports four specific projects: foster parent support and retention, thrive mentor program, kinship support services and family alliance project. Each of these programs is aimed at providing support for foster families and increasing opportunities for at-risk youth. AzCA encourages families of all populations to consider adoption or foster care, as the need in Arizona is on the rise. “Last year was our inaugural year and we had over 500 guests and raised $125,000. We expect it to be larger this year and we hope to raise $150,000,” said Keryn Shipman, Development Director at AzCA. The event will be held on Saturday, December 3 at the Arizona Biltmore Hotel from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. To purchase tickets, sponsorships, and votes, and for a list of featured dancers, visit arizonaschildren.org. Association to hold 2nd annual Dancing for Arizona’s Children Professional and amateur dancers alike will participate in the dance competition and fundraiser.

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