#LoveUP Foundation honored for dedication to foster care awareness
The Johnjay and Rich #LoveUp Foundation was honored for its work within the Arizona foster care community by Governor Doug Ducey on Wednesday, May 16th in a private presentation at iHeart Media in Phoenix Arizona. Governor Ducey presented a proclamation declaring May 2018 as Arizona Foster Care Month and to coincide with National Foster Care Month
Governor Ducey presented the #LoveUp Foundation with signed copies of the State of Arizona Proclamation that states “Whereas, we offer the deepest gratitude and thanks to all who serve Arizona’s youth as foster, adoptive and kinship parents, respite care providers, caseworkers, advocates, mentors, teachers, faith leaders, volunteers and individuals dedicated to making a difference. Now, therefore, I, Douglas A. Ducey, Governor of the State of Arizona, do hereby proclaim May 2018 Foster Care Awareness Month and urge all citizens to come forward and do something positive that will help improve the lives of children in foster care.”
Representatives from the Arizona Department of Child Safety including Director Greg McKay joined the Governor at the event and offered praise for the #LoveUp Foundation’s work with his department and within the foster care community. More than 100 members of the foster care community, including non-profit organizations and donors and sponsors of the Johnjay and Rich #LoveUp Foundation were in attendance.
Governor Ducey stated “If it’s not for good people like Johnjay and Rich and the #LoveUp Foundation we wouldn’t have the amount of people that have stepped up and said ‘I want to adopt a child, I want to embrace this situation’. Let’s get more foster parents. We can all make a lasting difference here.”
#LoveUp is an accidental movement started by Johnjay Van Es in 2008. After auto correct changed a text from Arizona Cardinal’s player, Kurt Warner’s, from “love it” to “love up,” the phenomenon was born. Initially started as a social media campaign to remind people to pay it forward and spread the love, the #LoveUp Foundation has since transformed into a nonprofit organization that primarily provides assistance to foster care programs. Private donations, sponsorships and proceeds from the sale of #LoveUp T-shirts have raised thousands of dollars for the #LoveUp Foundation.
The #LoveUp Foundation has touched the lives of hundreds of Arizona kids in foster care since its inception. For more information on the #LoveUp Foundation, visit www.LoveUpFoundation.org.
PHOTO:
left to right:
Director Arizona Department Child Safety: Greg McKay
Governor of Arizona: Doug Ducey
Founder #LoveUp Foundation and National Radio Personality: Johnjay Van Es
Founder #LoveUp Foundation and National Radio Personality: Rich Berra