Lenawee County proudly celebrated Adoption Day this afternoon at the Rex B. Martin Judicial Building, honoring the theme “Thankful for Family.” The annual event recognizes the joy and significance of adoption while highlighting the families who open their hearts and homes to children in need.
Festivities began at 1:30 PM with light refreshments and a meet-and-greet with Honorable Catherine A. Sala, followed by adoption finalizations at 1:45 PM.
This year, three families finalized their adoptions:
- DeWayne and Sarah Elledge adopted Drue, age 14 months. Drue has been in their care as a foster child, and this marks the Elledge family’s fifth adoption, reflecting their deep commitment to providing stability and love to children in need.
- Debra Sumner finalized the adoption of Serenity, age 4. Ms. Sumner is Serenity’s great aunt, and her decision ensures Serenity will remain connected to her family roots.
- Wade and Lisa Perry adopted Sarah, age 10. The Perrys have been Sarah’s non-relative guardians and are thrilled to provide her with permanency and a forever family.
Each family received a special gift package filled with items generously donated by local businesses. Lenawee County extends heartfelt thanks to the many community partners who contributed to this year’s Adoption Day:
Adrian Skatery; Arrington Ice Arena; Barrett’s Showplace Gardens; Bella Blush Salon & Spa; Biggby; Bobbye’s Pizza & Dairyland–Hudson; Busch’s Market–Tecumseh; The Buzz Cafe & Marketplace; The Centre; Chomp Burger; Clinton Frosty Joey’s; The Cookie Coop–Palmyra; Culver’s; Doll n’ Burgers–Tecumseh; Downtown Dempsey’s; Emmy’s Kitchen–Blissfield; Frozen ParadICE–Blissfield; G & J’s Frosty Boy–Tecumseh; The Grasshopper; Harvest Chocolate–Tecumseh; Karri’s Cookies; Lenco; Lev’s Bakery–Tecumseh; Lightening Quick; Little Caesars; Little Caesars–Adrian; The Look Salon; Luscious Dessertz; McDonald’s–Adrian; Morning Fresh Bakeries; MJR; My Cousin Vinny’s; Nova’s Soda Pop Candy Shop; Polished; Shirtz Ink; Starbucks–Adrian; Taco Bell–Adrian (S. Main); Ten Pin Pizza & Subs–Hudson; Wendy’s–Adrian.
Lenawee County also extends special appreciation to Kookin for Kids, the Lenawee County children’s charity, for its generous donations to each family, as well as several private citizens who gave gifts or contributed items for the event.
Lenawee County Administrator Kim Murphy expressed her gratitude for the families and partners who make Adoption Day meaningful each year. “Adoption is one of the most powerful acts of love we witness in Lenawee County,” Murphy said. “Today we celebrate not just new legal bonds, but the beginning of new chapters filled with hope, support, and opportunity. We are grateful for families who open their hearts and homes, and we love to see children and families grow and thrive right here in Lenawee.”
Lenawee County remains committed to supporting children and families every step of the way and is proud to celebrate another successful Adoption Day. For those interested in learning more about fostering or adoption, please contact DHHS at (517) 264-6300, Fostering Solutions at (517) 263-0020, Catholic Charities – Jackson, Lenawee & Hillsdale at (517) 263-2191, or the Lenawee County Adoption Coordinator, Cathy Hopper, at (517) 264-4630.
