Press Release

ONTARIO, CA (November 3, 2003) -Fifty-four families will be adopting more than 90 children at the sixth annual County of San Bernardino Adoption Finalization Ceremony on Friday, November 7. This year's event at the Ontario Convention Center, "Bee-Coming a Family," is celebrating National Adoption Awareness Month.

"This ceremony symbolizes the many successes we have," said Cathy Cimbalo, Director of the San Bernardino County Department of Children's Services. "Each year, we place more than 400 children in permanent homes."

The event will be marked by an opening ceremony with Ontario Mayor Gary Ovitt, Elizabeth Sanchez of Congressman Baca's office, Jill McGougan of Assemblymember Gloria Negrete-McLeod's office, Linda VanHoof of San Bernardino District Supervisor Fred Aguiar's office, Presiding Judge A. Rex Victor, San Bernardino County representative Cathy Cimbalo, and keynote speaker Anthony J. Silcock.

Anthony, born with spina bifida and confined to a wheelchair, has an inspiring story about his adoption through the County of San Bernardino. Having a wish to be adopted before his 18th birthday, the Yucca Valley resident's wish came true within days. He has recently appeared on the hit TV show, "Malcolm in the Middle," is filming an upcoming series on the Disney Channel.

Five rooms at the Ontario Convention Center will be set aside to perform legal ceremonies. San Bernardino County Superior Court judges performing the ceremonies for that day:

    * Judge A. Rex Victor (Presiding Judge)
    * Judge Katrina West (from Victorville)
    * Judge Raymond P. Van Stockum
    * Commissioner Raymond L. Haight, III
    * Judge Pro Tem Diane Anderson

The opening ceremony starts at 12:45 PM at the Ontario Convention Center. For more information about the County of San Bernardino Adoption Finalization Ceremony, please contact Susan Palmer at 909-945-3768.

For more information on National Adoption Awareness Month, please visit www.adoptionmonth.com.

*Photo Ops:

    * Anthony J. Silcock, keynote speaker and recent adoptee
    * New families and children ranging from 1 – 17 years old
    * Judges performing formal adoption ceremonies
    * Dignitary opening ceremony speeches

For more information about Wilkin Guge Marketing, please visit www.wilkinguge.com or contact them at 651 Wharton Drive, Claremont, CA 91711, (909) 625-2225.