Gift of Adoption Angels in Adoption

Kitty and Frank Block

Kitty and Frank Block, from Blue Springs, Missouri, have profoundly impacted the lives of hundreds of children and families through their work in adoption. Although adoption wasn’t part of their backgrounds, the Blocks’ faith and commitment to service led them to a mission of compassion.

While in seminary in the late 1970s, a missionary couple asked Frank to help establish an adoption agency to reach children in India who had been orphaned or abandoned. He agreed to help them get the adoption agency off the ground. And in 1982, Love Basket International Adoptions was formed.

The agency’s name was inspired by the practice of mothers leaving their babies in baskets outside orphanages, ensuring they’d be cared for. Over the years, Frank made over 50 trips to India to facilitate adoptions, while Kitty supported their six children at home.

Love Basket expanded internationally, reaching children in Ethiopia, Haiti, Peru, Guatemala, Romania, Ukraine, and Russia. The organization also provided humanitarian aid, including helping families affected by the 2005 tsunami in India. In addition, Frank co-founded the National Christian Adoption Fellowship, promoting faith-based child welfare.

The Blocks’ family is a testament to their mission: in 2004, they adopted their daughter, Chandra, from India. They also raised awareness through humanitarian efforts, such as organizing the Operation Christmas Child drive. Over 35 years, Love Basket facilitated more than 1,000 adoptions before merging with Nightlight Christian Adoptions in 2017.

Their legacy continues to inspire, making Kitty and Frank Block deserving of recognition as Angels in Adoption for their lifelong dedication to children and families.

Jeannie Schafer

Jeannie Schafer, from Winnetka, Illinois, has made an indelible mark on the adoption community, driven by her personal experience of adopting her youngest child. This journey ignited her lifelong passion for helping children find loving homes.

In 2014, inspired by her sons’ desire to raise awareness and support adoptive families, Jeannie founded the Illinois High School Junior Board for Gift of Adoption (GOA). Her vision was twofold: to support GOA’s mission through fundraising and to teach high school students about nonprofit board governance and the adoption process. What began as a small group of students from Loyola Academy and New Trier High School grew into a successful youth-led philanthropy model, now replicable across the nation.

Under Jeannie’s guidance, students learned valuable skills like public speaking, leadership, and fundraising while organizing impactful events. Their first major effort, a family brunch and blessing fundraiser, raised enough funds for two adoptions. Since then, over 400 “Welcome Home Baskets” have been created, and GOA grants have helped unite more than 35 children with their forever families.

Jeannie’s leadership inspired creativity and community spirit through events like the Chicago Stair Climb, symbolizing the final stretch of an adoption journey. Her mentorship empowered countless teens and strengthened her community’s commitment to adoption.

Jeannie Schafer’s visionary leadership, tireless advocacy, and dedication to empowering the next generation make her a deserving of the Angels in Adoption honor.

Jim Bauman

 Jim Bauman, adopted from South Korea in 1963, overcame childhood illness through adoption, which saved his life. Inspired by his experiences, Jim and his wife Candace (pictured) have been key Investors, advocates and supporters of Gift of Adoption. Serving on the Wisconsin and California chapter boards, Jim’s leadership significantly boosted fundraising efforts, facilitating the adoption of hundreds of children. Reunited with his biological siblings as adults, Jim continues his lifelong commitment to adoption advocacy and has personally contributed to completing adoptions for 33 children. 

Linda Boucher 

Linda Boucher, Jim’s sister, also adopted from South Korea in 1963, used her experience to champion adoption. As a Reading Specialist and advocate, she co-founded the New Hampshire Chapter. Linda’s ability to promote and engage others in the cause is infectious – leading to wildly successful fundraising events – that have made adoption possible for 83 children and have helped the GOA NH Chapter establish an endowment fund to complete one adoption grant for a New Hampshire family each year in perpetuity.  

 Damon Davis 

Damon Davis, adopted as a newborn, draws on his positive adoption experience to give back to the community. He founded the “Who Am I Really?” podcast and authored a book by the same name, creating a platform for adoptees and foster care alumni to share their stories. As President of the Metro DC Chapter, Damon has helped fund adoptions for 36 children. Additionally, he mentors foster youth, exemplifying his dedication to empowering adoptees and supporting children in need of families. 

Dawn Ripkey and Scott Ripkey

During their four-year tenure, as co-presidents of the Wisconsin Chapter, Dawn and Scott were transformative leaders – expanding the chapter’s reach across southeastern Wisconsin, adapting operations during the Pandemic, and significantly increasing grant revenue – to ensure that 134 children were adopted. This year, by leveraging their professional expertise, their network and a very generous personal matching gift, Dawn and Scott hope to inspire others to give and leave a legacy in reaching 20 more children with the gift of family.