Lofgren Honors San Jose’s 2006 Angels in Adoption Family

Media Contact: Jared Roscoe, 202.225.3072, jared.roscoe@mail.house.gov

Washington, DC — Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose) honored San Jose residents Tom and Mary Ann Ziegler as they received the 2006 Angels in Adoption Award from the Congressional Coalition on Adoption on September 21, 2006. The Angels in Adoption program commends individuals and families who have made outstanding contributions toward the welfare of children in the United States foster care system.

“The Ziegler’s compassion is truly inspiring,” said Rep. Zoe Lofgren. “They have opened their doors to so many foster children in need in San Jose and have devoted their lives to this cause. I am honored to recognize their dedication by selecting this family to receive the 2006 Angels in Adoption Award.”

Tom and Mary Ann Ziegler have raised three sons and have adopted two special needs children. Sharon, an 11 year old Filipina who suffers from epilepsy, was taken into the Ziegler home in February 1997 and adopted the following January. Richard, a six-year-old Cambodian with Down’s syndrome, was adopted on January 2003.

The Ziegler’s have been foster parents for fourteen years in Santa Clara County and have cared for one hundred children during this time. Mary Ann was President of the Foster Parent Association from 1994-1997 and a Board Member since 1990. Tom is currently retired and oversees much of the care and Doctor visits for the children.

The 109th Congressional Angels, chosen from all fifty states and the District of Columbia, were recognized at a gala ceremony hosted by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute in Washington, D.C. The Angels in Adoption program was founded in 1999 to raise public awareness about plight of foster children and orphans, and to honor individuals who have enriched the lives of children in need of a home.

Pictured:Congresswoman Lofgren and the Ziegler Family