Hillsdale Daily News: Walberg honors Hillsdale resident in D.C.

By Matt Durr

WASHINGTON, D.C. ? Just because the federal government is shut down doesn't mean those who have made an impact in their communities won't be honored during the yearly Angels in Adoption ceremony in Washington, D.C.

One of this year's recipients is Hillsdale resident Heather Tritchka-Stuchell, who is being recognized for her commitment to helping children in the Hillsdale area.

Tritchka-Stuchell and her family ? which includes husband Greg and two children, Chloe, 11 and Olivia, 9 ? were invited to Washington for a special gala by Rep. Tim Walberg, R-Tipton and were hosted by the congressman this week for a series of events in nation's capital.

"Heather was chosen because of unwavering commitment to children in need and her selfless desire to see their needs met. She has shown she will do whatever is necessary to fight for foster and adopted children, whether that?s serving on the board of the local Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children (CASA) program, or adopting a child as her own. She is more than deserving of this award," Walberg said in a press release.

According to the Angels in Adoption website, the program honors individuals, couples and organizations that have made extraordinary contributions on behalf of children in need of families. Honorees represent all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia.

Along with those involved in the adoption process, the program also honors foster parents.

The program is also designed to shed light on the adoption and foster care processes by raising awareness through events like Wednesday's gala.

As part of the three-day event honorees were treated to tours of the city, seminars about advocating their causes and of course the final gala held at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C.

The Angels in Adoption program was created in 1999 and has honored more than 2,000 people for their contributions.

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