Rep. Katko Announces Judge James Tormey To Be Posthumously Honored at 2020 Angels in Adoption Gala

Statement

U.S. Rep. John Katko (NY-24) today announced New York State Supreme Court Justice James Tormey, who passed away last year, has been selected as a 2020 Angels in Adoption Honoree for his efforts to organize National Adoption Day (NDA) Ceremonies in Central New York and his work to raise awareness of adoption nationally.

The Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI), which coordinates the Angels in Adoption Program, will posthumously honor Justice Tormey on September 30th in a virtual gala. This program is CCAI's signature public awareness event and provides an annual opportunity for all Members of Congress to honor the good work of their constituents who have enriched the lives of children and families in the United States and abroad. Rep. Katko nominated Judge Tormey for this award.

NDA is celebrated each year to finalize thousands of adoptions and raise awareness of the more than 100,000 children in foster care waiting to find permanent, loving families. After learning about NDA twenty years ago, Justice Tormey coordinated with Family Court Judges in Syracuse to organize Central New York's first celebration. With hundreds of attendees each year, the effort grows through collaborative work with attorneys, agencies, businesses, non-profits, government leaders, foster and adoptive families, social workers, agencies, jurists, and the public. Due to Judge Tormey's imaginative spirit, two films have been created to spread NAD's message, one of which was directed by the Newhouse School at Syracuse University. Determined to raise awareness nationally, Justice Tormey facilitated adoptions for nine families broadcast live on the Today Show on November 7, 2013.

"I'm happy to announce my dear friend, Judge James Tormey, will be posthumously honored at this year's Angels in Adoption Gala," said Rep. John Katko. "Judge Tormey played a key role in organizing Central New York's first National Adoption Day Ceremony and worked to raise awareness of the thousands of children in foster care. My family and I know how special National Adoption Day is for new families. I'm confident Judge Tormey's legacy of promoting awareness for this important cause and work to connect children with permanent, loving families will have a lasting impact."

To register for the virtual gala on September 30 at 8PM EST, click here. More information on the CCIA, the Angels in Adoption Program, and this year's gala can be found here.

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