“When I played at Volunteers of America’s GolfStar Classic with my son, Tom, to support the VOA adoption program, few realized that we were far more invested in the program than others.”
Luling, Louisiana – October, 2020
My name is Boyd Gautreaux. Of all the services that Volunteers of America offers, many people don’t realize that adoption is one of those. When I played at Volunteers of America’s GolfStar Classic with my son, Tom, to support the VOA adoption program, few realized that we were far more invested in the program than others.
In the 1960’s, my wife and I decided to adopt after learning we could not have biological children. The first agency we contacted, told us we hadn’t been married long enough to qualify; however, by the time we reached that requirement, we’d be too old to qualify. We heard about VOA’s program and we were accepted.
Soon, we brought home a daughter and then, two years later, a son. We were so thrilled to have these children and we named them after our own parents—Anne and Tom. Adoption made us a family and made us complete. We lucked out with our kids, who are so wonderful and now, we have four wonderful grandchildren.
Tom and I have been playing golf since he was about eight years old. I thought golf would be a good activity for him so we started him with lessons. He liked golf and did well. By the time he was in the Marine Corps and played regularly, he had an eight handicap.
The VOA tournament was a great opportunity for Tom and I to play golf and also share our story with others. Thanks to VOA, we’ve been able to have a wonderful family and a home.
