Turkish Airlines and W Istanbul Team Up to Benefit RaiseAChild.US

Turkish Airlines and W Hotels have collaborated to create a world-class live auction package for RaiseAChild.US, the only U.S. nonprofit organization that encourages the LGBT community to build families through fostering and adoption. The exciting auction package includes two round-trip Comfort Class tickets on Turkish Airlines from Los Angeles to Istanbul, a three-night stay with breakfast at the W Istanbul, and then continuing air travel to any one of Turkish Airlines' more than 240 destinations around the world. This premier package will be offered during the "Travel the World" live auction at RaiseAChild.US's HONORS fundraising gala at the W Hollywood Hotel on May 18, 2014.

Turkish Airlines was voted Europe's Best Airline at the 2013 Skytrax Passengers Choice Awards and flies to 105 countries, more than any other airline. The W Istanbul is an award-winning modern hotel offering a mix of Old World charm with contemporary glam. RaiseAChild.US is a national nonprofit organization that encourages the LGBT community to build families through fostering and adoption to serve the needs of the 400,000 children in the U.S. foster care system.

"Our W Istanbul is perfectly located for our guests to explore an authentic neighborhood filled with restaurants, cafes, galleries, and shops," said Matt Balcik, General Manager of W Istanbul. "We look forward to welcoming the lucky winners."

"We are so grateful to Turkish Airlines and W Istanbul for this amazing and generous gift," says Rich Valenza, RaiseAChild.US Founder and CEO. "With so many amazing Turkish Airlines destinations and so many incredible W hotels and resorts around the world to be discovered, this will be a trip of a lifetime."

According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services' Administration for Children & Families, there are 400,000 children in our nation's foster care system. More than 104,000 of these children are available and waiting to be adopted. Families certified for either foster or adoptive placements are in short supply.

RaiseAChild.US campaigns welcome and support prospective LGBT parents while putting images of LGBT families into public spaces through PSAs, print media, and outdoor advertising. Since 2011, RaiseAChild.US has engaged more than 2,000 prospective parents nationally and become a leading organization for public education and advocacy on behalf of the 400,000 children awaiting foster and adoptive homes. For more information, visit http://www.RaiseAChild.US.