Providence Place Gives honors Patrice Wood

You see her on Channel 10 News every day but how well do you really know Patrice Wood? Her answers to my questions might surprise you. But there’s no surprise why she’s being honored for her outstanding philanthropic work in her segments for Tuesday’s Child, where children in state care are profiled weekly in the hopes of finding a forever family. Patrice makes all of our children feel comfortable, cared about and special. Here’s my interview with this special lady.

Q. You once told me that you love getting out and meeting the people who watch you on the news. What is one thing you'd like them to know about you that maybe they don't?

Journalism is in my blood and I guess that's why I love my job. My mom was a newspaper reporter for the Evening Leader newspaper in St. Marys Ohio and my sisters and I all followed in her footsteps. My sister, Sheila, is the media specialist for Celina Public Schools in Ohio and has her own online, hometown newspaper called the Parkway Independent. My younger sister, Colleen, is a former TV news anchor/reporter who now works in the defense industry developing training for 3-d game worlds. My husband, Paul Pabis, is the Director of Engineering and Operations at WBZ-TV-4 in Boston. My dad was a farmer and that's definitely where I got my strong work ethic.

Q. Why do you think adoption is so critical for kids in foster care and what have you enjoyed most about hosting Tuesday's Child?

We are living in a tough world and children need parents in order to grow up to be well-adjusted, productive citizens. My parents supported and guided me through every step of my childhood. I knew that I could always count on them. Every child needs that. I am so grateful that Channel 10 continues to allow videographer Albert Gamble and me to continue our Tuesday's Child feature every week because we know that this is the one thing that we do that definitely makes a difference in the world. We've aired more than 300 Tuesday's Child segments and about 60 percent of the boys and girls have found homes. In addition, we get to meet some resilient foster children who inspire us! I love seeing the sparkle in their eyes as they tell me about their hopes and dreams. However, their future success is very much dependent upon finding a loving home with caring adults who will guide them through their struggles and celebrate their successes as they grow up, go to college and get jobs. There are very dedicated social workers who work diligently to take care of the 2,000 children in DCYF care (some are free for adoption and some are not). But our Tuesday's Children need parents. They need families who keep promises, demonstrate permanent commitment and give unconditional love so that when the boys and girls grow up, get married and have children, they will know how to take care of their own families. The saddest part of my job is seeing the children who don't get adopted and watching the sparkle disappear.

Q. I know that you are an adoptive parent yourself, what has been the most surprising and rewarding part of this journey for you so far?

Paul and I never met Stephanie before we adopted her when she was just one year old. We met with the adoption agency social workers on a Friday who told us about her and showed us a little picture. They said, "Are you interested?" We said, "Sure." They said, "Okay, you can come and get her on Monday." So, we picked Stephanie up 3 days later, put her in the car seat and drove home. And I have to tell you she is a blessing. She is the daughter every parent dreams of having. She is thoughtful, beautiful inside and out, my right-hand person, daddy's little girl and a wonderful sister to Jonathan, our son. Stephanie has grown up to be a down-to-earth young woman who is now in her first year in college majoring in Justice Studies. What surprises me? I find it surprising that more people don't adopt. Having a child really puts life in perspective. You learn what really matters.

Q. When I think about you I think approachable, kind, and giving--but I'd like to know what values you hold most important for yourself and your family.

Thank you so much, Pam. That means so much coming from you. Family is everything to us and honesty, loyalty and faith in God are at the core of that relationship. Our standard is to be there for each other, no matter what, through thick and thin. Everybody has bad days but Paul and I try not to go nuts at the same time. Nothing in life is perfect but if you put the family first and stay strong everything else falls into place.

Q. What do you do in your spare time? Favorite TV shows or series? Books? Vacation spots?

Our daughter just made the equestrian team at her college so we're now traveling throughout New England to watch her competitions and cheer on the team. Barn girls (and a couple barn boys) are always hungry so we bring lots of food which makes us very popular parents. My big hobby is taking care of my Golden Retrievers, Bailey and Prince. As for vacations, our family never tires of going back to Ohio to spend time with all the cousins or going to Disney World.

I want to thank Providence Place for this unexpected award. It is truly an honor to be recognized with the 4 other much more worthy philanthropic women. But I want everyone to know that it is Darlene Allen, Adoption Rhode Island staff and volunteers who really deserve the credit. So, I'm just accepting the award on behalf of the team.

(Aww, thanks Patrice, you are the best!)

Please join us at Providence Place Gives to honor Patrice Wood and her dedication to our mission through the Tuesday's Child segments on WJAR/ Channel 10. Tickets are $20 and include hors d'oeuvres, an auction and an OPEN BAR. Yes, you read that right, open bar for only $20.00--ordered in advance through Adoption Rhode Island--or you can pay $30.00 at the door.

When: Sunday, Oct. 27th from 7 to 9pm on level one at the mall, near Tiffany

One Hundred percent of the proceeds from the ticket sales made through Adoption RI benefit the children in RI awaiting their forever families.

Please call 401-865-6000 to order your tickets today!