[tobeafamily]

We adopted domestically as well. Here are the things we did to raise funds:

1. We asked our family and friends to give gifts to the 'baby fund' in lieu of presents at birthdays and Christmas. Many would give gifts 'just because' too.

2. We had two garage sales and told everyone who came (& in the paper ad) that we were raising money for an adoption. We got many 'keep the change' and some who outright gave us money.

3. We sold stuff on eBay and put in our prod descriptions and on our 'about me' that we were raising funds for an adoption.

4. We didn't do this, but have seen others raise money through Homemade Gourmet, Party Lite, Mary Kay programs where the distributor agreed to give part of the profits to you as the host.

We found that while Ryan's adoption cost us about $14K, the biggest single check we wrote was for $2300 in finalization to attorney and they even offered to take payments. Our adoption was on the high side, most of our friends who adopted domestically paid less than $10K in fees.

Hope this helps.

Regina, AMom to Ryan Joshua Thomas