Print Raising money for adoption, families
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Suzan Windley-Daoust, an assistant professor of Theology at Saint Mary’s University, was conducting research on special needs children when she learned about Reece’s Rainbow.
Reece’s Rainbow is an International Down Syndrome Orphan Ministry, and Windley-Daoust was inspired to help raise money to assist in the adoption process for families across the world.
“The cost of adoption varies from country to country,” Windley-Daoust said, “But ranges from about $15,000 to $30,000.”
Originally, Windley-Daoust was raising money for a girl named Tori (alias) to be adopted. Between Windley-Daoust and “a woman from Missouri,” Tori’s “adoption fund went from $1000 to $23,000,” Windley-Daoust said.
With the money raised, Tori was adopted very quickly by a couple in Texas, and Windley-Daoust decided to host an event, the first ever Fun Run/Walk in Winona, Minn., to raise money for boy named Anthony (alias).
“Raising $22,000 from people you know is mindboggling,” said Windley-Daoust, “But it happened and is amazing.”
Because Tori’s adoption went so smoothly, Windley-Daoust saw the Fun Run/Walk as an incredible opportunity for Anthony, as well as other children in the future.
With the help of volunteers from the SMU Campus Ministry, Saint Mary’s University, Student Council of Exceptional Children and Winona State University, Windley-Daoust raised $752 at the Fun Run/Walk on Saturday, Oct. 30.
Windley-Daoust said about 25 people participated in this year’s Fun Run/Walk, but is hoping to have increased numbers in future years.
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