In the village of Huntley, Illinois, located just fifty miles northwest of Chicago, dozens gathered for a special global family reunion.
On July 30, 2023, the Davis Family hosted a memorable reunion event to bring together many of the au pairs they had warmly welcomed into their lives and homes over the past two decades through Au Pair in America.
With a remarkable twenty au pairs from seven different countries having been part of their journey, the Davis Family’s reunion event was a celebration of cultural exchange and the forging of lifelong connections. Over sixty people, including the eleven au pairs and their families who traveled from overseas to attend, gathered at the Davis’ Huntley residence to share cherished stories and memories.
A staircase full of former au pairs! Joined in front standing left to right, APIA Registration Coordinator Lauren Koch, Dan Davis, Jennifer Davis, APIA Chicagoland community counselor Alyssa McComas and APIA Director Jean Quinn.
The multi-day celebration leading up to the reunion event brought families from various corners of the world, all of whom have remained friends since their time as au pairs. For the eleven au pairs attending from countries such as Germany and France, it was an emotional reunion with the Davis family, now extended to include their own loved ones.
Jennifer and Davis accepting the APIA Cultural Ambassador Award.
The occasion also served as a special moment to recognize the Davis Family’s commitment to promoting cultural exchange. In a heartwarming ceremony, Jennifer and Dan Davis were given the first-ever Au Pair in America Cultural Ambassador Award. Presented by Jean Quinn, Director of Au Pair in America, this esteemed accolade pays tribute to the Davis Family’s remarkable influence in uniting diverse cultures and fostering a global understanding.
“This reunion is really a testament to the family and to the au pairs,” remarked Mrs. Quinn. “To see Jen and Dan have the relationship with their former au pairs and now the children of their au pairs, is really something very unique and special.”
APIA Director Jean Quinn presenting the Cultural Ambassador Award to the Davis Family.
As stories were shared and memories revisited, it was clear that the connections forged between the Davis Family and their au pairs were quite special. The gathering in Huntley went beyond being a celebration of the Davis Family’s journey; it embodied the profound impact of cultural exchange in forging meaningful connections and turning strangers into a tightly-knit global family.
For those fortunate enough to be part of this remarkable gathering, it serves as a powerful reminder that love and family know no boundaries – whether they be miles or borders. The Davis Family’s inspiring story encourages us to embrace the beauty of cultural diversity and unite the threads of kinship across continents.
“When I came here, I knew I would look after children and learn how American families live,” remarked Caroline, a German au pair with the Davis Family from 2002 to 2003. “What I found was that I would become a real part of the family.”
2 comments
Hi thank you i will really appreciate it if you choose me as your au pair i will serve you with hole hearted
Hi i will really appreciate it if you choose me as your au pair i will serve you with hole hearted thank you