It's Not too Late to Spread the Warmth
with First Star!
2020 is coming to a close, but it's not too late to make this year count! Your year-end support will help us bridge the technology gaps many of our students have faced this year, making sure all of our students know First Star is always here for them, providing a sense of home, family, and connection to others when they need it most.

Thanks to a very generous donor,
with your $75 donation to First Star, you'll receive a warm and cozy First Star beanie, or with your $150 donation, you can snuggle up with a soft, knit First Star blanket. There's no better way to stay warm this holiday season! Find out more about this special offer HERE ([link removed]) .
Donors Spotlight: Jay Paul Deratany and Curt Smith
Jay Paul Deratany (left) and Curt Smith (right), with their foster son Paul.
Jay Paul Deratany and Curt Smith have been part of the First Star family for years. Jay, a Chicago lawyer who specializes in foster care cases, and his husband Curt were integral to the creation of our First Star Loyola University Chicago Academy and continue to be huge supporters. They host an annual Christmas party for the scholars, showering them with presents to make sure they have a holiday to look forward to every year. This year due to the health crisis, that hasn't been possible. So instead, they've created an Amazon wishlist for the students, appealing to the public to help fulfill all the students' wishes. "Seeing these kids open gifts, there's nothing like it in the world," Deratany said.

Deratany's work as a lawyer as well as writing the script to Foster Boy, a film produced by First Star President Peter Samuelson and Shaquille O'Neal which shines a light on the corruption and abuse of for-profit foster care agencies, has inspired Jay and Curt to become foster parents themselves. Four years ago, they met Paul, a fun-loving, imaginative seven-year-old in the foster care system. Over time, the three developed a wonderful relationship and Paul is now their foster son, with plans for adoption as soon as the court will allow. They are thrilled to welcome him into their lives and look forward to nurturing his creative side by writing and producing short films together.

Welcome to the First Star Family, Paul!
The Reason to Give
The future is so bright for both Azaria and Maryori, two of our amazing scholars recently featured on ABC Nightline. Their experiences in the foster care system have inspired them to strive for change not only in their own lives but in the lives of all foster youth. We can't wait to see what wonders their futures hold!

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Your year-end gift can ensure all of our scholars
continue to find a home with First Star.

Make a difference in their lives today.

Donate Now ([link removed])
* This year, with the CARES ACT, taxpayers who don't itemize deductions may take a charitable deduction of up to $300 for cash contributions made in 2020 to qualifying organizations. Additionally, taxpayers who do itemize can deduct up to 100% of their adjusted income for cash donations (credit cards and checks count). First Star is a qualifying organization.
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First Star, Inc.
2049 Century Park East, Suite 4320
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