Superstar musician Rod Stewart will host and perform in the new entertainment special, THE 8TH ANNUAL A HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS WITH ROD STEWART. There are more than a half million children currently in foster care in the United States, and this program aims to raise awareness of this important social issue through telling inspirational stories about adoption. Presented by Virginia Madsen, Cedric the Entertainer, Miley Cyrus, Angie Harmon, Melina Kanakaredes, Rene Russo and Jeri Ryan, these tales highlight some exceptional American children and families involved in this rewarding process. Don't miss Grammy Award-winning musical artists Rod Stewart, Five for Fighting, John Legend, Katharine McPhee and Mary Mary as they deliver moving performances in support of this important cause.



The special is presented in association with the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption and the Children's Action Network. The foundation was established in 1992 by Wendy's restaurant founder Dave Thomas, who was adopted. It is dedicated to increasing the awareness of the more than 119,000 children in the United States foster care system who have been freed for adoption. 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.

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The Arguilez Family
Nine-year-old Ricky and his six-year-old sister Isabella had lived in five different foster homes by the time they appeared on THE 7TH ANNUAL A HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS in 2005. "We had been waiting a long time… I worried we might get separated," said Ricky. But the siblings' long wait was finally over when Richard and Gloria Arguilez saw them on the special last year and immediately moved forward to adopt them.

The White Family
Victor and Dawn White adopted their first daughter, Jimisha, in 2004. "I don't think I started living until I met my parents," said Jimisha. With the success of their first adoption, the Whites turned to the Wendy's Wonderful Kids program to find their second daughter, Myricle. "I knew I had met people that really loved me," said Myricle. This holiday season, the Whites chose to complete their family by adopting their third daughter, two-year-old Jalaia.

The Mills Family
In 1996, Erin Mills became a mentor to Krystine, a nine-year-old girl who came from a troubled home. Over the next several years, as Krystine's home life deteriorated, her relationship with Erin strengthened. When Krystine was finally placed in foster care as a teenager, Erin received permission to adopt the little girl she loved. "Before, I didn't feel worthwhile," said 19-year-old Krystine. "With my mom, Erin, I know I am worth something, even worth saving."

Children Waiting
There are over one half million children currently in foster care in the United States. This segment gives voice to these numbers by creating an intimate portrait of children who need permanent, loving homes.