The Price of Parenthood

Financing Adoption

By Laura Christianson

"I asked for whatever they would be willing to give," Wiseman says. "Every company I approached donated cash or services such as medical insurance or dance lessons." Wiseman suggests that people seeking corporate donations visit the public library's reference section to research foundations, corporations and nonprofit groups that might be willing to donate funds.

A well-organized fundraising event is an effective way to raise several thousand dollars in a short amount of time, Weldy says. One of her favorite fundraisers is "Pamper Day," in which a hair stylist, a cosmetics consultant, a massage therapist and a caterer donate their services. Each Pamper Day attendee pays between $25 and $40 for a makeover, a massage, a manicure or pedicure and a hair trim or style. The caterer provides snacks, and everyone enjoys a relaxing day. "It's a win-win circle of goodness," Weldy says. "It's good publicity for the people providing the service, a fun day to hang out with friends and the adoptive mom raises money for the adoption."

Weldy advises people to plan fundraisers that provide take-away value and net a high return. "Pick a fundraiser you'd want to attend," she says. "If you feel good about it, you won't be shy about asking people to donate."

Although financing adoption can be an intimidating challenge, parents agree that their children are worth every penny. The ingenuity they invest into bringing their child home prepares them for the next great adventure: paying for raising their children. Those costs, estimates the U.S. Department of Agriculture, are a mere $237,000 per child.

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