Washington, D.C. —  Senator John Thune yesterday met with Bob and Donna Burke and their children Brandi and Darin of Brookings, who traveled to Washington, DC to receive the 2009 "Angels in Adoption" award from the Congressional Coalition on Adoption. Senator Thune nominated the Burkes for the award earlier this year.

"Bob and Donna Burke are well-deserving of the `Angels in Adoption' award," said Thune. "The Burkes have helped children in need of a safe, stable home and have touched the lives of many. I deeply appreciate the opportunity to meet with them and offer my gratitude for all the good they have done."

In 15 years as foster parents, the Burkes cared for over 30 children, including babies waiting for adoption placement and children in need of a safe environment. Their two adopted children, Brandi and Darin, were originally cared for as foster children.

Donna Burke has served as a Foster/Adoption Parent Trainer in partnership with the Brookings Department of Social Services. Bob Burke is a retired professor of psychology at South Dakota State University. He has lectured about child abuse at other institutions, and he has served on the Brookings Area Child Protection team.

Senator Thune is a member of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption.