HARRISBURG, MAR. 12, 2009 -State Sen. Wayne D. Fontana today announced that a photo exhibit featuring Pennsylvania children waiting to be adopted is visiting Pittsburgh.

According to Fontana, the Pennsylvania Heart Gallery, a traveling display featuring professional portraits and biographies of a few of the thousands of Pennsylvania seeking permanent homes, is currently on display through March 19 at the Children’s Institute in Pittsburgh.

Two of the children featured in the exhibit, eight-year-old Dontae and 11-year-old Brandon, are from the Pittsburgh area, according to Fontana.

“I am pleased that the Adoption Exchange has chosen Pittsburgh as one of its stops for the Heart Gallery,” Fontana said. “Even more importantly, they have featured children from our region.”

Last year, as a result of the Heart Gallery exhibit, over a third of the featured children were placed in adoptive homes.

“Featuring personal stories and photographs of these children enhances the success of adoption programs in the Commonwealth,” said Fontana. “I hope families in the region who are interested in adopting will take the opportunity to visit the exhibit and learn more about the children featured, and consider opening their homes to a child in need.”

Developed locally by the Department of Public Welfare, the Pennsylvania Heart Gallery is on its third statewide tour. Pennsylvania photographers donated their time and service to create portraits for the gallery. Each child’s photo is accompanied by a detailed profile including information about his or her interests, personality and dreams.

For more information about the Pennsylvania Heart Gallery or to view the exhibit’s itinerary, please visit www.adoptpakids.org.