(Sept. 28, 2017 – Phoenix, Ariz.) – The Johnjay and Rich #LoveUp Foundation announced an $8,000 donation from well-known grocery retailers Albertsons, Safeway and Vons. The funds will be used to purchase a new mobile exhibit for the Children’s Heart Gallery.

The Children’s Heart Gallery is a traveling photo exhibit featuring children in the foster care system who are awaiting their “Forever Families.” The project harnesses the power of photography to capture each child’s unique spirit and heightens the visibility of these children who deserve a loving home. The photo profiles are featured online and at exhibits in public forums like churches, airports and malls.

“We are so grateful for the generous support of Albertsons, Safeway and Vons. This donation will support one of our most important programs at the #LoveUp Foundation,” said Kristin Hower, Executive Director of the Johnjay and Rich #LoveUpFoundation. “Our goal is to awaken the public to the fact that there are currently more than 17,000 kids in our state’s foster care program. It is our hope that every child featured on the Heart Gallery will be adopted into a safe and caring home.”

The #LoveUp Foundation was chosen by the Arizona Department of Child Services to serve as the sponsor of this unique display for the state’s foster children. Thanks to the program, children who need a forever home get new clothes and a photoshoot. This is a visual way for prospective parents to see the kids up for adoption in the state’s care.

The #LoveUp Foundation facilitates the underwriting of the photoshoots including securing photographers and make-up artists and determining the venues for the sessions. The Foundation provides new clothing for the children as well as food and beverages during the photoshoot. They also have a hand in procuring locations to display the photo gallery to increase exposure of these Arizona children in need.

Thanks to the overwhelming support of the media and the public, The Children’s Heart Gallery continues to grow each year and helps advocates find homes for hundreds of children in the foster care system.

About #LoveUp Foundation:
#LoveUp is an accidental movement started by Johnjay Van Es in 2008. After auto correct changed a text from Arizona Cardinal’s player, Kurt Warner’s, from “love it” to “love up,” the phenomenon was born. Initially started as a social media campaign to remind people to pay it forward and spread the love, the #LoveUp Foundation has since transformed into a nonprofit organization that primarily provides assistance to foster care programs. Private donations, sponsorships and proceeds from the sale of #LoveUp T-shirts has raised thousands of dollars for the #LoveUp Foundation. Recently the #LoveUp Foundation was expanded to include #LovePup Foundation, which raises funds and awareness for rescue dogs.

The #LoveUp Foundation has touched the lives of hundreds of Arizona kids in foster care since its inception. For more information on the #LoveUp Foundation, visit www.LoveUpFoundation.org.

###

Media contact:
Charlotte Shaff
The Media Push
(602) 418-8534
charlotte@themediapush.com