On November 1, 2025, the Victorville Fairgrounds transformed into something magical. It became a place where stories of love, resilience and family came together at the Once Upon a Family: Adoption Celebration. With dozens of adoptive families in attendance, the event felt like a family reunion, even among people who had never met before. There was a sense of understanding in the air, an unspoken “you get it,” exchanged in smiles, hugs, and conversations.
From the moment families arrived, the day was bursting with joy. A lively DJ kept everyone dancing, while a colorful photo booth captured silly faces and sweet memories to take home. Creative stations filled the room: an A Window Between Worlds art-healing corner for expressing big feelings through color, a crown-making table that turned kids into kings and queens of their own stories, and a friend ship bead station where children crafted bracelets and necklaces symbolizing connection and hope. While outside, teens and preteens connected through their love of action and animation in the lively video game truck.
Kids bounced from face-painting to the dance floor, crowns a little crooked, hands sticky from dessert, smiles wide and carefree. Parents connected with one another, some just starting their adoption journey, others years into it. “Adoption has changed my life,” A Greater Hope mom Benita said with tears in her eyes. Her husband, Rudy, sat beside her and added, “Adoption as a father has taught me to love our children even more. I love these children as if they were my own. It feels good to receive that same love in return from them.”
Nearby, holiday family photos, a pasta lunch, and decadent brownies added to the warmth of the day. In a cozy interview nook, families shared how adoption has changed their lives; stories that were honest, emotional, and full of gratitude. Before leaving, every family received a heart-shaped ornament etched with the words, “It’s not what you have in life, but who you have that matters,” a simple reminder of what truly counts.
Another mom, Michelle, reflected on a journey that began more than two decades ago. She adopted a sibling set of four 21 years ago. “I had a wonderful experience raising them,” she said. “They added a lot of joy and adventure to my life—so much so that I decided to do it again with A Greater Hope.” Her second chapter with adoption began with her son, now 10. “He’s fun, creative, and always keeps me on my toes,” she chuckled, “Then we received my baby girl, now 5. She’s feisty, very smart and full of adventure. Adoption has brought us closer together as a family.”
Stories like Benita’s, Rudy’s, and Michelle’s echoed throughout the room, each one unique, yet all tied together by a shared belief in the power of family. As the sun set over the Victorville Fairgrounds, families left with full hearts, new memories, and a deeper sense of connection through the tough, but beautiful, life-changing journey of adoption.
