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Published: November 16 2014

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – More than $11,000 was raised during the recent ChildNet Circle of Supporters reception at YOLO's O-Lounge to benefit abused, abandoned and neglected children.

(From L to R): Mark Solomon, SOS Children’s Villages; Derrick S. Roberts, ChildNet General Counsel; Marissa Kelley; Eric Gabrielle

ChildNet Circle of Supporters, an annual giving society, raises funds to give kids in foster care a chance to be a kid. 100% of these funds go to giving these kids the opportunity to make happy childhood memories, like going on a school field trip, enjoying summer camp, or playing on a sports team.

The event also celebrated AT&T's $300,000 grant award to support ChildNet's Grounded for Life program.

"What we do as advocates for children in foster care is vitally important and changes the lives of vulnerable kids who need love, support and stability," said ChildNet Board Chairman Jeffrey Dwyer, Esq. "Through the support of Circle of Supporters

and the generosity of companies like AT&T, our youth will develop and flourish. Working together, we can offer these children the opportunity to become well-adjusted adults who will make a positive impact on our community."

AT&T's community investment to ChildNet's Grounded for Life program will help improve educational outcomes for local youth in foster care. It is designed as a comprehensive intervention to improve foster care youth's engagement in learning and in high school through relationship building, problem solving and persistence.

"Today we are celebrating the Grounded for Life program by presenting ChildNet with a grant for $300,000," said Maria Johnston, AT&T regional manager of external affairs. "This grant will help children in foster care focus on their education and allow more than 50 youth to graduate from high school."

As the single private non-profit entity responsible for administration of the local child welfare system, ChildNet brings years of dedication to protecting abused, abandoned and neglected children in the communities it serves.

For more information about getting involved with ChildNet Circle of Supporters, please contact Elizabeth Wynter at 954-414-6000, ext. 8036. Visit www.ChildNet.us and ChildNet on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/ChildNet.