About the Organization,


Ampersand Families, based in Roseville, Minnesota, is a nonprofit dedicated to securing permanent, loving homes for older youth and sibling groups in foster care. Since 2008, the organization has focused on keeping youth connected to their families, cultures, and communities—prioritizing kinship and relative placements whenever possible. Their services include adoption support, family finding through the Kin Link Program, and post-adoption resources to help families heal and thrive. With a mission rooted in equity, belonging, and dignity, Ampersand Families walks alongside youth and families impacted by the child welfare system to build lasting relationships and hopeful futures.

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Essence Event Center

The Essence Event Center

in Saint Paul, Minnesota, is a beautifully restored historic venue that blends 1885 architecture with modern elegance. Featuring over 7,000 square feet of open event space with towering industrial windows, the venue is filled with natural light and charm. Its private second-floor suites, complete with a kitchenette, offer a perfect space for pre-event prep or quiet moments. Ideal for galas, weddings, and corporate gatherings, the venue includes flexible catering options, in-house A/V support, and dedicated staff to ensure a seamless experience—all with free parking and full ADA accessibility.

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Wine (and Spirits) Pull – Sponsored by Netrio

Small red and teal paper cards with ampersand logos hanging on a string with clothespins against a blurred background.

Gift Card Tree

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Silent Auction Items

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Live Band Performace by Dad Joke

The Event: Bridge to Belonging Gala


Ampersand Families hosted its annual Bridge to Belonging Gala at the Essence Event Center in St. Paul, Minnesota, bringing together community supporters to raise critical funds for youth in foster care seeking permanent adoptive families. The event featured live music by the local band Dad Joke, a silent auction, and dinner from K’s Revolutionary Catering, all set against an atmosphere of hope and celebration. Guests heard from the board members and families impacted by the child welfare system, emphasizing Ampersand Families’ mission to create lasting connections that honor a child’s identity and culture. This inspiring Minnesota nonprofit event spotlighted the importance of foster care adoption, youth permanency, and community-driven support for vulnerable children and teens.

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Ampersand Families Board Members and Keynote Speakers

Attendees engage in conversation during a networking event at a rustic venue with exposed brick walls and warm lighting.
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A large group of attendees seated at round tables in an industrial-style venue with exposed wooden beams and lighting.
A large group of people attend a conference in a rustic event space with exposed ceiling beams.
Conference attendees seated at round tables participate in a professional luncheon in an industrial-style space.
Large round tables with white tablecloths set up in an industrial venue with exposed brick walls and high windows.
Business conference attendees listening intently during a presentation in a rustic venue with wooden beams.
A crowded business luncheon in an industrial-style venue with exposed brick walls and wooden beams.
Two presenters stand on a black stage giving a presentation in an industrial-style venue.
Conference attendees gather at round tables in a rustic venue with exposed ceiling beams and large windows.
A speaker in black attire stands at a podium with a microphone under exposed wooden ceiling beams.
Professional gathering in a modern industrial space with exposed brick walls and elegant table settings.
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Speaker presents from a podium in a bright green blazer against exposed brick backdrop.
People gather in a modern industrial hallway with brick walls and an arched doorway.
People having a conversation in a modern event space with brick walls and tall windows.
Conference venue with exposed wooden beams and high tables where attendees network during an event.
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People decorate tables at an event venue with exposed brick walls and tall windows in an industrial-style space.

Dinner was provided by K’s Revolutionary Catering

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Volunteer Opportunities for Photographers.

Minnesota Heart Gallery is a volunteer group of photographers here in Minnesota. I am honored to be one of the many volunteers who gets to meet foster kids and photograph them for whatever the occasion is for them. These are usually their first ever professional photography session and it's been humbling and incredible working with these kids.


Ampersand Families leads the Minnesota Heart Gallery, a powerful adoption photography program that connects professional photographers with youth in foster care across Minnesota. This statewide initiative provides personalized photo sessions that highlight each child’s personality, helping them shine in adoption recruitment materials and offering them treasured keepsakes. With over 200 volunteer photographers and 80+ sessions each year, the program plays a crucial role in finding permanent families for older youth, sibling groups, and children with special needs. Prioritizing inclusivity for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ youth in foster care, the Minnesota Heart Gallery is a meaningful way for photographers to make a lasting impact.


Learn how to get involved or view featured youth at minnesotaheartgallery.org.