Live Like Sam and Ecker Hill student host inaugural adoption community event

The Are You Adopted? event created a warm, welcoming atmosphere where adopted children and their families could share their stories without judgment. Photo: Live Like Sam Foundation.

HEBER CITY, Utah — The Live Like Sam Foundation, in partnership with the Keller family, successfully hosted the inaugural “Are You Adopted?” event on Saturday, Sept. 20, at the Jordanelle Beach Pavilion. This community gathering brought together approximately 60 adopted children, families, and supporters for an afternoon of connection, storytelling, and celebration.

The event was the brainchild of Rory Keller, a sixth-grader at Ecker Hill, who envisioned creating a space where adopted individuals could connect with peers and build pride in their unique experiences. Working in partnership with Live Like Sam Foundation, a local nonprofit dedicated to youth well-being and mental health, Rory’s dream became a reality as the first-ever gathering of its kind in the community.

The event created a warm, welcoming atmosphere where adopted children and their families could share their stories without judgment. The gathering featured multiple opportunities for connection, including:

• Story Sharing: Several attendees shared their unique adoption and foster-care experiences with the group, creating moments of understanding and connection
• Community Building: Children had the opportunity to play and interact with peers who shared similar backgrounds
• Family Connections: Parents and caregivers connected with one another, building a supportive network

Sandwiches were graciously donated by the Heber City Jersey Mike’s. Dessert came in the delicious form of donated Crumbl Cookies.

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The event resonated deeply with attendees, as captured in these powerful testimonials:

Julie Keller, mother of event creator Rory, reflected on the day’s impact: “People’s hearts were filled! It was so incredible to see all the adopted kids playing and laughing. For the adopted community to come together and not feel alone. I think everyone had a really positive experience. Live Like Sam and AyA are awesome!”

Tom Keller, Rory’s father, delivered an emotional speech expressing his pride in watching his son find his community. He shared his joy at seeing Rory finally connect with peers who understand his experience, noting how Rory had been seeking this type of connection for some time and ultimately made it happen himself.

One particularly moving moment came when an adopted adult woman addressed the group, expressing her deep admiration for adoptive parents and families, calling them “the real heroes.”

“Rory Keller and his family, with the support of Live Like Sam, are creating something very special by bringing members of the Park City community together through their common bond of adoption. By creating this safe and shared space to identify and connect with others is a powerful tool in helping adopted children (and adults) understand their special purpose in this world and realizing how they can make a difference in helping other individuals who are adopted or have an adopted child truly know they too are not alone in this world! As an adoptee, I’m honored Rory asked me to be a part of this and can’t wait to see AYA continue to gain traction and bring more awareness to this unique group of individuals.” – Kouy Kolar-Novice; AYA guest presenter and fellow adoptee; Mathnasium of Park City-Franchise Owner

This inaugural “Are You Adopted?” event marks the beginning of what promises to be an ongoing series of community gatherings. The success of this first event, with its atmosphere of acceptance, joy, and connection, has laid a strong foundation for future meetings that will continue to serve the adopted community.