I just started to think about this last year and all that it's brought. I'm 21 and adopted and last year this time was when I spoke to my birthmom for the first time, met 3 of my 4 sisters (the fourth passed away) all around the time I was graduating from college. Perhaps that's why I feel so close to the HALO Foundation (Helping Art Liberate Orphans).

Not that I'm in the same boat, by any means. I was raised in a wonderful suburban home with two great parents who are still married, and was in a safe environment my whole life. I was adopted at birth so I never knew life any other way. I feel special for my background even though I'm not sure I can ever fully understand the depths of what it must have took to be so selfless and realize that she couldn't support me as well as she could have. My adoption was by choice. Sadly, many of the orphans lost their parents due to AIDS. How lucky am I? Are we?

Last weekend I was fortunate enough to help with the HALO Foundation annual Artreach Art Auction. It was incredible. It really makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside knowing how much people care. We were able to raise just over $60,000 in one night. In fact, in the matter of five minutes they were able to raise enough money to cover all the costs of food for the orphanage in India. It's just so great that people care.