Press Release

ONTARIO, CA (November 5, 2003) - Born with spina bifida and confined to a wheelchair, Anthony J. Silcock has an inspiring story about how he was adopted within days of his 18th birthday. Eighteen-year-old Anthony will be this year's keynote speaker at the sixth annual County of San Bernardino Adoption Finalization Ceremony on Friday, November 7.

"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, and Anthony's story is an inspiration for many children waiting to be adopted."

Now residing with his 27-member family in Huntington Beach, Anthony is now focused on working with children at the Santa Ana Discovery & Science Children's Museum and becoming an actor. He has recently appeared on the hit TV show, "Malcolm in the Middle," and is filming an upcoming series on the Disney Channel (photos of Anthony and his family are available upon request).
This Friday, 57 families will be adopting more than 90 children at the Ontario Convention Center. This year's event, "Bee-Coming a Family," is honoring National Adoption Awareness Month.

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.

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:

    * Presiding Judge A. Rex Victor
    * Judge Katrina West
    * 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

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