Carol Storck imagines that her daughter, Jasmine, held hands with her best friend, Sophia, through the crib bars in her Chinese orphanage. From the first weeks of their lives they were together, and they remain connected today after being adopted by Ozaukee County families who live within blocks of each other.

"They’ve known each other longer than we’ve known them," Storck says of the special friends. "We found out they were crib mates — they were born three weeks apart. They are really more like sisters than friends. No matter what happens, we’re relatives now through this special connection."

Sophia’s mom is Amy Aichele. Storck and Aichele bonded as they supported each other through the process of adopting their daughters from China. "Amy and I didn’t know each other before the adoption process," Storck says. "We have similar backgrounds — I teach music, she teaches dance. We were so fortunate with our experience with adoption that we wanted to give something back."

The two friends pooled their talents to form a group called Hope in Motion. Using the arts to raise funds for supplies for children in orphanages everywhere, the women hope to make a difference in the lives of children around the world.

"You don’t really understand what an orphanage is like until you see one," Aichele says. "When we were in China we got to see families come in and we shared our experiences. You are exposed to so many children. The chance to help make a difference to these children is really important. Whether they need milk, medicine, shoes or blankets, we want to raise money and awareness for these children."

The group recently hosted a benefit concert to raise money for milk. Future plans also will be centered around the performing arts. "We raised money and collected 63 pairs of shoes," Storck says. "Wherever there is a need — children in Afghanistan need school supplies. We cover different areas, but the basic needs are always there, from medicine to Band-Aids to blankets."