GAFE 2009 (Guatemala Adoptive Families Events)

DATE: July 24-26, 2009

PLACE: * Sheraton Parsippany Hotel * Parsippany, New Jersey

WEBSITE: http://www.gafe-network.org

For those unfamiliar with GAFE, here's our story:

GAFE began in 2003 as a simple idea of getting a group of Guatemala adoptive families that belong to a listserv together to actually meet in person. As our planning grew, so did the number of families wanting to attend. That first year in 2003 our simple little gathering turned out to include 104 families! There was no turning back! We will always be grateful to those families who had NO IDEA what to expect of GAFE. We challenged them to be pioneers & they challenged us to have enough food and supplies ready when they got there.

In July 2004, Fiesta del Quetzal/GAFE brought together over 170 families from around the country. Can you believe that GAFE draws families from as far away as the Virgin Islands, California, Texas, Georgia, Florida & many other states not so close to the tri-state area. The hotel was filled with all the wonders of Guatemala. It was a truly amazing weekend. However, we could not do it without the assistance of all of you.

Our success continued in July 2005, at the Sheraton Parsippany Hotel. GAFE 2005 broke all prior attendance records & featured a full day of speakers & exhibitors for all ages & interest levels. We were pleased to notice that several families brought along aunts, uncles, and grandparents to share in the festivities with the kids.

Late in the year of 2005, we incorporated GAFE. We took 2006 off to rejuvenate ourselves & reconnect with our families. In 2007 back at the Sheraton we had 142 families & over 480 people!

We took 2008 off & are now working on GAFE 2009 and hope to make it the best year yet! We can't do it without you & value your input!

PLEASE CONSIDER OFFERING US YOUR HELP! We PROMISE to have something to do for everyone who volunteers! :o)

Hope you can join us!