Ugly Betty's Alec Mapa Brings the Laughs to Event for LGBT Adoption and Foster Parenting

It takes a village to raise a child--or, in some instances, the gay and lesbian inhabitants.

That's the message comedian and fabulously out father Alec Mapa spreads when he headlines "an entertaining and informational event" promoting adoption and foster parenting within the LGBT community.

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Mapa is known for his roles on ABC's Ugly Betty and Desperate Housewives, as well as "Big Daddy," his stand-up show based on the experiences of joining his husband to raise a now 7-year-old boy. Besides yuks, the 7-9 p.m. Dec. 3 event at Orange County Center for Contemporary Art in Santa Ana promises a panel discussion featuring LGBT foster and adoptive parents. 

"Our goal is to find safe and loving homes for children who desperately need them," explains Rich Valenza, president of event sponsor RaiseAChild.US, in a statement from the nonprofit. "A wealth of research and data clearly demonstrates the keen parenting abilities within the LGBT community. We are a part of the solution for our nation's overburdened foster system."

His organization, which was only formed last year, has placed particular emphasis on an Orange County campaign that runs through December and includes radio PSAs on KPCC and KCRW and public transit advertisements featuring LGBT families created through fostering and adoption.

Their slogan: "Let Love Define Family."

RaiseAChild.US, which is finding open arms within the adoption community, cites data from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services' Administration for Children & Families that shows more than 107,000 children in the foster care system are available to be adopted while certified families are in short supply.

For more on the event at the Orange County Center for Contemporary Art, 117 N. Sycamore St., Santa Ana, visit https://www.facebook.com/raiseachild or follow RaiseAChild.US on Twitter @RaiseAChild.

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