FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 17, 2006
Media Contact: Michael Corby
904.632.3310

The Heart Gallery: portraits of adoptable children on exhibit at North Campus from September 5-October 5

What:	The Heart Gallery: A portrait exhibit of local adoptable children
When:	Opening reception Sept. 5 from 6-8 p.m. Gallery hours: Open daily Mon.-Fri. at 7:30 a.m.; closing Mon. and Wed. at 10 p.m.; Tues., Thur. at 9 p.m.; Fri. at 5 p.m. Closed weekends. Exhibit runs through October 5.
Cost:	Free and open to the public
Where:	Florida Community College at Jacksonville North Campus 4501 Capper Road Building D, Room 301 (Library)

Details: The 2006 Heart Gallery of Jacksonville, sponsored by Family Support Services of North Florida, is an awareness-raising portrait display of nearly 100 children available for adoption on the First Coast.

“By bringing the children to the public through the gallery and individual story cards, we’re hoping to create a personal connection with the public and encourage those thinking about adoption to consider adopting a child from foster care,” said Jim Adams, CEO of Family Support Services.

The Heart Gallery travels to provide everyone in the four-county area a chance to see these children. New portraits are continuously added because new children continuously enter the system.

The gallery consists of portraits taken and donated by professional local photographers. Since its introduction in October 2005, the Heart Gallery has increased inquiries by more than 400 percent.

Currently more than 300 children are in foster care awaiting adoption. The Heart Gallery will continue to grow and will showcase upcoming success stories of children who have been adopted into a forever family as a result of the awareness effort.

The community can also view the children and read their stories online at www.heartgalleryjax.org. For more information call 904.766.6786.