Baton Rouge couple to be celebrated in D.C. for adoption work

Charlie Cusimano and Vicki Crochet, two practicing attorneys in Baton Rouge who also happen to be husband and wife, will be rubbing shoulders tonight with NFL linebacker Scott Fujita and Academy Award-nominated actor and screenwriter Nia Vardalos. They will be among the 190 “Adoption Angels” being honored during a Washington, D.C., ceremony hosted by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute. The Angels in Adoption program is the signature public awareness campaign of the CCAI. It allows members of Congress to honor the “good work of their constituents who have enriched the lives of foster children and orphans.” There’s a good reason two locals are on the list of “angels”: U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu, a New Orleans Democrat, founded CCAI and now serves on its advisory board. Landrieu says Cusimano and Crochet are” role models” for the nation. “By opening their hearts and home, they made the dream of a family a reality for two wonderful children,” she says. “Through their passion and dedication to this important cause, they motivate us all to do more.” Cusimano and Crochet are the parents of two adopted children: Daniel, 21, and Kate, 16. In a joint statement, they shared part of their story. “We feel so undeserving, as all we do is what every parent does in doing their best to raise their children,” the couple says. “What we do to support organizations that help children is the way we try to give back.” The ceremony and gala are set for this evening at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center. Former “Adoption Angels” include First Lady Laura Bush, Patti LaBelle, Jane Seymour, Muhammad Ali, the late Dave Thomas, Steven Curtis Chapman, Bruce Willis, Alonzo Mourning, Rhea Perlman and Kristin Chenoweth. For more information, visit the CCAI website here. —Jeremy Alford