WELCOMING BELGOROD CHERRY ORCHARD PARTICIPANTS          “HAIL NEW LIFE!”          On June 3, 2005, Frank Foundation and Adoption Options of San Diego, California are pleased to welcome 10 children and four adults from the Belgorod Region of Russia who have been invited to the United States by our partner, Adoption Options of San Diego, California, to partake in a life enhancing educational/ cultural exchange under the name, “Cherry Orchard” from June 3 – June 13, 2005.          The following Russian citizens are members of this delegation:          Children:          Kolesnikova, Inna     Monina, Elizaveta     Netsvetaylova, Marina     Korotkikh, Igor     Voykin, Aleksandr     Tirskikh, Aleksandr     Usov, Sergey     Orenkhova, Elena     Usova, Olga     Nikolaenko, Nadezhda     Adults:          Zarubina, Oga     Kalashnikova, Svetlana     Timofeeva, Lidia     Belozerova, Tatiana          The Cherry Orchard project is a continuation of an eleven-year successful exchange model first conducted in Raleigh, North Carolina during the spring of 1994. Inspired by some of the philosophical themes of Anton Chekhov’s 19th century play “The Cherry Orchard,” namely that of a future without borders, the current project continues the theme of providing children with a unique opportunity that they otherwise may not have been given. Within a one-week program, along with a rich educational and cultural program designed by social workers and exchange coordinators, one of the week’s highlights is the ceremonial cherry tree planting, which we regard as a symbol of international friendship, cooperation and good will between the youth of Russia and the United States.      The planned activities combine memorable recreational, educational and cultural events for these less advantaged children. The Cherry Orchard Program has been lauded both nationally and internationally and inspired many similar good will efforts by other organizations. The children have been selected by the orphanage officials in cooperation with regional authorities. The adults selected for the exchange have been appointed to serve as the children’s legal guardians during the program. They will supervise the group and in partnership with their American peers will make sure their physical and emotional needs are met throughout their USA stay.          Frank Foundation Child Assistance International extends its sincerest gratitude to the American Embassy for its support with carrying out this program, the loving host families and generous supporters, and most of all to Brent Yoder and the dedicated staff of Adoption Options for its time, dedication and unmatched professionalism in creating a super program.