On December 18, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, Deputy Brooklyn Borough President Yvonne Graham and five of the city’s 17,000 foster children joined Heart Gallery NYC at an exhibit of photographs at Borough Hall featuring hard-to-place children. The Borough President urged families to open their hearts—and homes—this holiday season to provide “forever homes” for children without permanent families. As part of their visit to Borough Hall, Shanta, Steven, Jean, Ray and Lafvorne were presented with Brooklyn sweatshirts and wool caps.

Created by Heart Gallery NYC, the traveling exhibition features photos taken by professional and award-winning photographers who have volunteered their services. Heart Gallery NYC is a unique not-for-profit organization that combines the artistic talents of notable photographers with children in need of families and a place to call home. The project is dedicated to raising awareness of children living in foster care and encouraging New Yorkers to make a difference in the life of a child.

Since its inaugural exhibit opened in Grand Central on July 31, Heart Gallery NYC has succeeded in bringing many prospective adoptive parents and children together. Of the 53 foster children featured in the traveling exhibit, 14 are currently visiting with pre-adoptive homes, and each Heart Gallery opening generates new interest and creates new opportunities for those who need them most.

In addition to the display in the Borough Hall Community Room, there is a mini-exhibit at the Brooklyn Business Library, and displays have been scheduled for early next year at Kings Plaza and the New York Aquarium at Coney Island.

For more information regarding the children and Heart Gallery NYC, visit www.heartgallerynyc.org.