Chosen Inc. (“Chosen”), a non-profit ministry dedicated to supporting foster and adoptive parenting, will again celebrate these unique family-building journeys Nov. 14 at its third annual gala – with a twist necessitated by the corona virus pandemic.

The “2020 Open Hearts, Open Homes Gala” will be a virtual event starting at 7 p.m. As in previous years, the evening will again be filled with stories of warmth, encouragement and “Fostering Forever Families” by providing safe, loving homes for children.

A highlight will be the announcement of plans to open a Milwaukee County Family Closet in 2021, modeled after The Family Closet in Waukesha. The center provides free clothing and children’s items to foster and adoptive families.

Due to the event’s virtual nature, tickets are free for 2020. Attendees can choose to donate when they register, with 100 percent of all funds going to the Milwaukee County Family Closet. Attendees can earn free tickets to the 2021 gala by hosting watch parties of at least four guests.

Keynote speakers are Amalie and Jason Bowling, co-founders of Chosen, who will share how their own family journey ties in with the origin of Chosen. Additional presentations will share Chosen’s 2020 accomplishments, and how it plans to respond to an expected dramatic increase in foster care needs due to COVID-19.

Online bidding for silent auction items begins Nov. 9. Several high-profile auction items will be sold “live” at the Nov. 14 event.

Hundreds of guests and volunteers have attended Chosen’s prior two galas, the first in November 2018. The event is the largest fund-raiser for Chosen’s hands-on programs, support and outreach to foster and adoptive families, and educational outreach in the community.

“While we tremendously value thanking all our supporters in person at the annual gala, circumstances dictated a change in format this year,” said Karen Schlindwein, Vice-President of Education and Development for Chosen. “Nevertheless, we are excited to tell gala attendees how their support helps us meet the needs of foster and adoptive families.”

Registration for the Nov. 14 virtual gala, and access to early online silent auction shopping, are available at https://www.choseninlove.org/2020gala.