For kids in foster care—especially older kids and teens—finding a forever family doesn’t just happen. There are steps that have to be taken, decisions that have to be made, and often, obstacles that have to be navigated. Every child, every family, every path toward permanency is beautifully unique. But there is one uniting factor.

It all starts with YES.

This year, we are celebrating the power of saying YES. And what better way to highlight the joy of YES than with three incredible Kidsave Miracles Gala events!

Washington, D.C.

On May 28, we kicked off gala season in Washington, D.C. with our first 2026 Kidsave Miracles Gala event. It was an inspirational night dedicated to those whose vision and leadership are actively changing the way the world thinks about older youth in foster care.

We were proud to honor Darrell Booker and Sixto Cancel, two incredible men who continually show what is possible when we lead with empathy, collaboration, and innovation. Darrell shared his deep personal connection to foster care through his mother, who aged out of the system at eighteen. Through her, he saw firsthand that the trauma she carried didn’t disappear when she turned eighteen; it stayed with her.

“Foster care is not just something that happens to a child,” said Darrell. “Its impact can echo through generations.”

Darrell shared about the time he met fellow honoree Sixto in an airport and was presented with an opportunity to work together and use technology to help create a better future for kids in care. His YES that day changed the trajectory of both of their lives for the better.

We were also honored to hear from Vivian LeBrun-Benesch, an alumna of Kidsave’s Summer Miracles program. Vivian shared the powerful story of her adoption, detailing how she and her family persevered through the challenges of moving her from Colombia to the United States; relying not on perfection, but on connection.

Vivian reflected on the strength required to welcome an older child into a home, saying, “Because you are not just bringing a child into your home. You are welcoming their history. Their wounds. Their survival skills. Their fear of being hurt again. You are learning how to become a family together.”

Because her parents were brave enough to say YES, her entire life changed, and as she beautifully reminded the audience, every child deserves someone brave enough to say YES to them.

See photos from the 2026 Kidsave Miracles Gala in Washington, D.C.

Los Angeles

 One week later, supporters, donors, and Kidsave alumni gathered in Los Angeles, CA at the Skirball Cultural Center for the second Miracles Gala event on June 6.

Guests mingled throughout the event space, browsing auction items whose proceeds support Kidsave's programs and trying their hand at a putting green promoting the our upcoming golf tournament. Towering over the festivities was a glowing installation displaying a single word: YES.

That message carried throughout the evening's program.

The ceremony opened with the presentation of the Champion for Children Award to Frances Moreno, a longtime Kidsave advocate who has supported the our mission for more than two decades.

“This award is about this community,” said Frances. “It's about the people in this room who care deeply, who stay engaged, and who keep showing up and saying YES to children who need us most.”

Later, we heard from Kidsave CEO and Co-Founder Randi Thompson on the importance of saying YES despite the challenges we may face along the way.

When reflecting on Kidsave’s early years, Randi said, “What we didn't know then was how many times we would hear the word no. ‘No, these kids are too old.' ‘No, families won't step forward.' ‘No, it can't be done.'”

Despite those doubts, Randi noted that every milestone in Kidsave's history began with someone choosing to say YES. And one single YES has turned into a chorus of mentors, hosts, forever families, volunteers, and supporters coming together to change the lives of older kids and teens in foster care.

We heard from one young man whose life has been changed; Yhoser Esobar-Macdonald, an alumnus of the Summer Miracles program, shared his adoption story.

Growing up in Colombia, Yhoser lacked stability and consistent support. Through Kidsave’s Summer Miracles program, he found a forever family with his two moms. Today, he is graduating from high school and plans to attend California State University Northridge to study kinesiology. He is a living testament to Kidsave’s work.

“That's why tonight is so important,” Yhoser told the audience. “Because of your support, kids like me have a chance to say YES to finding their forever family, to know they matter, and to have their lives changed.”

The evening concluded with a lively auction, dinner, and dancing. Attendees stepped up and said YES to giving their support, and nearly half a million dollars were raised to continue this life-changing work.

But as Randi noted, the most meaningful YES comes from the kids themselves.

“They're saying yes to opening their hearts again,” said Randi. “They're saying yes to trusting another adult. They're taking a risk. And honestly, theirs is the bravest yes of all.”

See photos from the 2026 Kidsave Miracles Gala in Los Angeles, CA.

Houston

On Saturday, June 20, we gathered at the Majestic Metro Theatre in Houston, Texas for our final Miracles Gala event. The beautiful theater was filled with a joyous energy as Kidsave supporters, families, and friends came together to say YES to making a difference.

We presented the Houston Inspirational Voices award to community member and foster care alumna, Mary Koenig. Growing up in care, Mary learned firsthand the importance of a resilient spirit and having someone in your corner.

Reflecting on her experience being raised surrounded by nuns, Mary shared, “All of our lives have been pushed forward because somewhere along the way, we took a chance, or someone took a chance on us. The single most important factor for cultivating resilience is those positive relationships.”

Later in the evening, we heard from Nadya Haddad, an alumna of the Summer Miracles program, as she shared her inspirational story.

“My mom’s YES became my home. Her YES became my education. Her YES became my marriage. Her YES became my future filled with love, possibility, and belonging. That is what YES can do.”

Today, thanks to her adoption, Nadya is living the life she always dreamed of.

See photos from the 2026 Kidsave Miracles Gala in Houston, TX.

Thank You for Saying YES!

To everyone who joined us, sponsored an event, or supported our programs, thank you for saying YES! Your contribution has made a difference and will help us continue our life-changing work for older kids and teens in foster care.

If you’d like to learn how you can get involved or hear about our upcoming events, contact Genesis Diaz at genesis@kidsave.org.