A Home for the Holidays
THE 10TH ANNUAL A HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS WITH FAITH HILL, a new entertainment special to be broadcast Tuesday, Dec. 23 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network, will include moving performances by Grammy Award-winning country music star Faith Hill, Grammy Award-winning rock singer/songwriter Melissa Etheridge, Grammy Award-winning country music star Tim McGraw and rock musician Gavin Rossdale and Academy Award winner Jamie Foxx, among others. Tony Award winner Kristin Chenoweth ("Pushing Daisies," "Wicked"), Emmy and SAG Award winner Patricia Heaton ("Everybody Loves Raymond," "Front of the Class"), Rene Russo ("The Thomas Crown Affair"), Emmy Award-winning comedian Martin Short ("Father of the Bride," "SNL") are among the celebrities presenting inspirational stories about adoption.
Following the success of the past nine annual shows, the 10th anniversary special continues to tell touching stories about foster care adoption to raise awareness of this important social issue. The inspirational stories of these American families are enhanced by performances from some of today's most popular artists.
The musical performances frame several story segments which are presented by celebrities who either have their own adoption experiences or are involved with children's issues. The stories highlight many exceptional American children and families involved in this rewarding process.
- The Miles Family (Richmond, Va.)
Betsy and David Miles were married eight years when they decided to adopt a 9-year-old foster child named Katy. During their meeting with social workers, the couple was also asked to consider a 14-year-old boy as a temporary placement. "When Haisten moved in with us, and we just fell in love with him," says Betsy. The Miles soon adopted both children. "Knowing you are loved is a powerful thing. Katy was tagged as a special needs child, and now she's in the top of her class and Haisten is an honor student," says David.
- The Windham Family (Orange County, Calif.)
After watching "A Home for the Holidays," musicians Daniel and Jill Windham decided to adopt 12-year-old Dakota. Little did they know that Dakota had always turned to music to help cope with his difficult past. "Our son is so brave and to find each other - it was just meant to be," says Jill. Today, Dakota is a gifted bass guitarist.
- The Millner Family (Santa Clarita, Calif.)
Each year, more than 25,000 foster children reach the age of 18 without ever being adopted. Frederick Millner was one of those children. After living his entire childhood in foster care, Frederick joined the military, married his wife, Kimberly, and adopted a little boy to give a foster child the life he never had. "I tell my son how much I love him every day. There was always an outline to my life, but my wife and son are the light that has filled the darkness," says Frederick.
- Children Waiting (Los Angeles)
There are over one half million children currently in foster care in the United States. This segment gives voice to these children by creating an intimate portrait of children who need permanent loving homes.
To commemorate the 10th anniversary, foster children featured in past years will be brought back to the show, joined by their new adoptive families.
This year, 193 members of the U.S. Congress participated in awarding CBS with the 10th Annual Angels in Adoption Award. The Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI) gives this honor to people or organizations committed to raising awareness about adoption.
The special is presented in association with the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption and the Children's Action Network. Wendy's restaurant founder Dave Thomas, who was adopted, established the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption in 1992. It is dedicated to increasing the awareness of the more than 129,000 children in the United States foster care system who have been freed for adoption. Wendy's Restaurants is a program sponsor.
The Children's Action Network was founded in 1990 by leaders in the entertainment industry to harness the power of the entertainment media on behalf of children. The special is a part of CAN's National Adoption Campaign to raise awareness of the joys of adopting and to find homes for the children who are waiting.
