May Ball 2007

The Fostering Network launch Northern Ireland’s first Foster Carer of the Year award

To celebrate Foster Care Fortnight, a campaign dedicated to highlighting the vital need for foster families nationwide and focusing on all the fantastic work that foster carers do, the Fostering Network hosted a glamorous Black Tie and Diamonds Charity Ball where they launched the "Foster Carer of the Year" award, sponsored by Manleys.

The impressive venue, Belfast’s City Hall, set the scene for a night of opulence. The Deputy Lord Mayor, Ruth Patterson, supported and attended the Ball and she along with almost 300 guests were treated to a champagne and guinness reception sponsored by Diageo. They then had the opportunity to try their luck at the James Bond style casino! A fantastic meal followed, as did music and dancing to a live band. The Fostering Network received many kind offers of support and donations for the raffle including an overnight stay in a grand hotel, meal vouchers and first class tickets on the Enterprise to Dublin!

However, the real focal point of the night was the awards ceremony for the chosen foster carers - nominated by friends and family, for all the truly inspirational and selfless commitment they have given to the fostered children and young people in their care.

Guests were moved by the touching tribute to this year’s winner Angela McCallister as a letter from her foster daughter Rachel, who nominated her, was read out. This presentation was the highlight of the evening and Angela was a gracious and deserving winner. She has been fostering for Barnardos fostering project for approximately 12 years. In her letter Rachel said "she made us feel wanted, safe and loved, we had arrived as with the majority of foster children with a lot of emotional baggage, but she took it all in her stride."

She also talked about how Angela helped them through good times and bad and her commitment never faltered even when diagnosed with cancer. Rachel’s nomination really brought home that Angela went more than the extra mile and summed up by saying, "She is my hero, I would not be where I am today without her belief in my ability."

Angela was presented with her award and prize of a well-deserved holiday by Lester Manley.