Faulkner University recognized more than 135 foster and adoptive parents, as well as individuals working at foster and adoption agencies, during its annual Benefit Dinner on Oct. 3, 2024. Former Alabama coach Nick Saban headlined the sold-out event.
Before the Alabama football legend took the stage, 2,600 guests turned toward the center aisle to watch the mothers and fathers of adopted and foster children walk to the front of the Renaissance Convention Center in downtown Montgomery.
Each year Faulkner shines a spotlight on individuals who deserve to be honored. This year, the university highlighted the sacrifices and the love of those individuals who welcome children in need into their home.
“Today, families struggle to provide economically. They crave protection from unforeseen events, natural disasters and rising crime. Families hunger for quality education. Families long for loving, healthy relationships. Adoptive parents and foster parents have looked into the mirror, and they say, ‘I will be the change,’” said Faulkner University President Mitch Henry. “Tonight, we celebrate heroes of adoption and foster care. These are people who know that families need protection, they need provision, they need education, and they need love. It’s time to turn the hearts of adults to children. It is time to change our culture by strengthening families. Our heroes tonight challenge us to be the change.”
Many of the honored guests who participated in the Walk of Honor, had ties to Agape, a local Christian foster care and adoption agency that aims to provide vulnerable and orphaned children with safe, nurturing families.
Among those recognized that evening were several adults who had been adopted and expressed their gratitude for adoption and their parents on stage.
Julie Dapprich was adopted on October 30, 1970, by her parents Ken and Polly Kranzusch. She is now an adoptive mother herself.
“Adoption is such a blessing! I am so thankful that I have such a great family,” Dapprich said. “And thankful to God that He has been by my side and directing my steps my whole life! HE CHOSE ME for this journey, and I love that!”
Jason Isbell was adopted on September 25, 1980, by Tony and Bobbie Isbell.
“I’m grateful every day that God used an adoption agency in Montgomery to connect a baby born in Mobile with a family in Sylacauga 44 years ago,” Isbell said. “My adopted family took a bad beginning and turned it into a happy ending, and there hasn’t been a single day of my life where I’ve known anything but their unconditional love and respect. Everything in my life can be traced back to my time under their roof, and how I was raised will always be one of the biggest blessings in my life.”
Likewise, the dinner provided an opportunity to highlight Saban’s service to others and his and his wife Terry’s adoption of their two children, Nicholas and Kristen.
“Nick Saban is best known as a football legend, coaching the Alabama Crimson Tide to championships for decades,” said Henry. “However, his role as a father of two adopted children and his and his wife Terry’s charitable work through the Nick’s Kids Foundation are legacy accomplishments worth celebrating tonight with hundreds of similar heroes.”
As soon as Saban walked on stage and sat next to Senator Katie Britt, who led the Q&A portion of the evening, he thanked those who had just walked down the aisle.
“I just have to start out by showing the gratitude I have for all the folks who are being honored tonight, whether they are adoptive parents, or adopted children or foster parents. I think that no man stands as tall as when he stoops to help a child,” Saban said. “Being an adoptive parent myself, I’m so proud of what you’ve been able to accomplish and what you’ve been able to do. There’s no greater impact that you can make on a young person than being a parent; caring, making the sacrifices you have to make to be a good parent, setting a good example, giving them an opportunity to be successful. You’re obviously blessed and I appreciate you more than you know.”
Saban has carved an indelible legacy in the sport. He is best known for his tenure as the head coach of the University of Alabama’s Crimson Tide, where he has led the team to multiple national championships since his arrival in 2007. Saban’s coaching career spans several decades, including stints in the NFL and other major college football programs. His leadership, strategic acumen, and relentless pursuit of excellence have earned him a reputation as one of the greatest coaches in college football history. Beyond his on-field achievements, Saban is also recognized for his commitment to mentoring young athletes and fostering a culture of discipline and integrity within his teams.
In his stint at Michigan State as head coach from 1995-99, Saban and his wife Terry started the Nick’s Kids Foundation, which they continued in Tuscaloosa. Since the Sabans arrived in Tuscaloosa, $6 million has been distributed to students, teachers, and children’s causes at over 150 charities through the Nick’s Kids Foundation. They have played a crucial role in tornado relief efforts in Tuscaloosa and the surrounding areas. Immediately following the devastating storm on April 27, 2011, Nick and Terry visited shelters where they paid for and served meals to those in need. Through Nick’s Kids, the Sabans joined with Project Team Up and Habitat for Humanity in helping to rebuild 15 homes lost in the tornado.
