I have discovered that my purpose in this life is my love for everything adoption. When I share my story with people that both of my children are adopted the response is mostly “oh you did such an incredible thing by saving a child”. This comment used to really upset me, but I began to realize that people are not intentionally being disrespectful, they are just unaware and need to be educated on the topic of adoption. I didn’t wake up one day saying “I’m going save a child”. My struggles with infertility led me down the path towards adoption. And I would do it again 100 times over. My response is always "we didn’t save anyone". In fact, it was the other way around – our children saved us! They chose us and by doing so, they made our lives complete.

Some people feel that if they are going through fertility struggles and are unable to conceive, they would rather not have any children; nor do they want to talk about it. Everyone needs to go through their own journey and figure out what’s important to them in this life. Taking this path regardless of the process was one of the most fulfilling decisions I had made. For me personally, the desire to become a Mom far outweighed any notion of DNA. To be a part of these little souls – to experience their joys and sorrows, to watch them grow into beautiful young people, to love them and to know that they love you back unconditionally is something that I am unable to put into words.

I feel like my purpose on this earth is to share my learnings and support people who are going through similar journeys – that adoption is definitely an option to consider. I wish more women felt that they had a safe space to open up about their fertility struggles and emotions. People just need to be educated on what adoption really means and everything it represents. Once they are given the guidance, they can make an informed decision. I just love sharing my personal experiences with people, especially those who have a spark of interest in exploring the idea of adoption. My hope is to just start the conversation.

If you are thinking about adoption, but don’t know where to begin consider the following:

• Firstly, don’t be shy about starting the conversation. This is the 1^st step and you should not be uncomfortable about exploring various options.
• Talk to someone who has gone through the process – this person could be a colleague or a friend of a friend. Remember that people who have gone through a similar experience are a wealth of information
• Set up a consultation with a reputable adoption agency in your local area for guidance

Since this is a cause that is close to my heart, there are a few initiatives that I’ve created and been involved with through my Events Planning company - Hoopla Events. Hoopla was built around two passions: creating beautiful events and wanting to make a difference. What makes us really unique at Hoopla Events is these special initiatives.

Initiative 1 – AN EVENT WITH A DIFFERENCE

At Hoopla, we believe that we are all blessed in many, different ways and that it is important to pay it forward. There is no better way to do this than to inspire our clients to give back to a special cause. If Hoopla Events is retained by you, 4% of Hoopla’s planning fees will be donated to a cause that is close to your heart.

Hoopla’s Personal Cause

Initiative 2 – REDEFINE KINDNESS: THE PURE SUNLIGHT PROJECT

THE PURE SUNLIGHT PROJECT was created and derived from my adopted children’s original names: Caleb Pavan - Pavan meaning ‘Pure” and Regan Aarushi - Aarushi meaning “Sunlight”. The project’s objectives are to raise funds for:

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a) Two specific orphanages in India: Matruchhaya Orphanage in Nadiad, Gujurat, North India where Caleb was adopted and Sahyog Village Orphanage in Ranchi, Jharkhand, East India where Regan was adopted. We are involved in fundraising to raise money for basic necessities at these orphanages such as food, clothing, medical supplies, school supplies and any other items required by the orphanages. Our commitment is to expand our philanthropic activities with a focus eventually on the most vulnerable children – girls and children aged 7 years of age and older.

b) An adoption support group called “Lean on Me” created to provide resources to families who have adopted their children from India and who may want or need to connect on successes and personal experiences from their journey. Quarterly meetings are conducted on various topics for couples who are interested in finding out more information on adoption and the process. As well as those who have already adopted their children and would like to share their successes or challenges with other families. We also hold social events such as Family Day get togethers, Summer celebrations, Holiday parties for a chance for the children and families to connect. Our activities will resume shortly once families become adjusted to the new way of life.

In May 2019, I decided to host a fundraiser benefitting my children’s two orphanages in India and my 1^st event was a huge success! The event was a Game of Thrones-inspired cocktail fundraiser. Every single element was thoughtfully planned out with Hoopla’s signature touch – the details. There were games for GOT fans as well as for those guests who hadn’t watched the show, raffle baskets with GOT-themed prizes, a video that shared the purpose of the event, appetizers including a midnight snack bar, drinks, dancing, a GOT throne for picture taking and memories. All of these details were highlighted by the exquisite decor. The 100+ attendees described it as an incredible experience. It was highly impactful by meeting its fundraising goals and a resounding success confirmed by the outstanding feedback received by the guests. The feedback from everyone was ridiculously complimentary which made me very proud. The proceeds raised were split between the two orphanages. Both of the orphanages very were appreciative of the donations and the director from one of the orphanages reached out and wanted to meet to discuss future fundraising initiatives.

I was also able to connect with people at the event who were interested in finding out more information regarding adoption which was very important to me. It was satisfying to have these conversations with women pondering the idea of adoption. To date, the GOT fundraiser is one of my biggest achievements both personally and professionally. This event cemented the fact that I love what I do. With the fundraiser, I was able to bring my story to life; at the same time add meaning by making a difference – in this case, to give back to my children’s orphanages in India.

After the success of the 1^st fundraiser, the intent was to make it an annual event at that scale, however, with the pandemic everything got put on hold. I did host a smaller casino-themed fundraising event for the orphanages once things started to open up again. The orphanages were once again very thankful and appreciative for the donations. The goal is to eventually resume the fundraising activities similar to the scale of the Game of Thrones function now that life is starting to get back to the new normal. Stay tuned for a Toronto Raptors-inspired fundraising event in the near future!

If you have any questions around the topic of adoption or you have a special adoption story that you would like to share, please contact Hoopla Events at hooplaevents.ca. I would love to have a conversation with you to help you celebrate your story.