Reader's Letter: Thank You for Helping Save Babies

LA PLATA - 5/30/2008

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By Jennifer Abell Director, March of Dimes of Southern Maryland

I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank all of the volunteers, sponsors and participants for making March for Babies an enormous success. Their unwavering commitment and dedication has proven to be the driving force behind the annual overwhelming success of this event, which took place in LaPlata on April 27th with over 800 participants, and raising more than $105,000. (Pledges are still coming in) All the credit goes to our talented and committed team of volunteers – who worked relentlessly for numerous hours prior to April 27th. Thanks to Commissioner Reuben Collins, Chairman and major supporter. Thank you to our local sponsors: Charles County Government, Southern Maryland Newspapers, College of Southern Maryland, Show Place Arena, Maryland Bank & Trust (the recipient of the “Most Spirited” Station Award), Chaney Enterprises, and PNC Bank. In addition, thank you to our numerous sign sponsors and teams. The winner of the “Most Spirited” Team Award went to North Point High School and the recipient of the “Best T-Shirt” Award went to William B. Wade Elementary. Some of our top teams include Brides for Babies, Century 21, Charles County Government, Civista Birthing Center, College of Southern Maryland, Double Trouble, Fighting Chance, Girl Whirl, LaPlata High School, MacKenna’s Marchers, Mom’s Club, Precious Paula’s Crew, and Sierra’s Family. And I certainly don’t want to forget all of our walkers who have been collecting pledges. Your extra effort is greatly appreciated. Thank you to our 2008 Ambassador, Paula Cusic and family who dedicated themselves to support the March for Babies and increase public awareness in the community. Thanks to Charles County Public Facilities for insuring we had electricity and to the Shelor’s for setting up our route as well as Lt. Wathen and the LaPlata Police Department for monitoring our route. Thanks to the Charles County Amateur Radio Club for walk communication and to those many volunteers who showed up the day of the event and helped. I might not know you all by name, but we appreciate your support. Thank you. Thanks to Dana Alexander for coordinating the delicious breakfast and lunch from Safeway, Domino’s, Subway, Burger King, Old Country Buffet, and Coca-Cola. Thank you to VFW #8810 for ensuring the food was prepared and ready for our hungry walkers upon their return. Thank you to LaPlata Brewhouse Coffee for keeping us awake with their delicious coffee and Rita’s Italian Ice for dessert. Thanks to Terry Simmons for preparing packages and securing gifts for the team captains including a recliner from Regency Furniture, which was raffled the day of the walk. Thanks to Cindy Coltman, my right hand, for ensuring everything ran smoothly for the day of the event and lending her excellent skills in organizing and training our registration volunteers including members of the LaPlata Kiwanis and Charles County Commission for Women. Thanks to Michelle Mulloy for orchestrating all of our entertainment including Greg Kaponoske from Music For All Occasions, Lugnuts Pit Crew from Maryland International Raceway, Jazzercise, Carrie Parent, HD Photography, Whispering Winds Wellness, LaPlata Fire Department, the Green Turtle, Texas Roadhouse and the Charles County Sheriff’s Office for the DARE car, McGruff and security. In addition, I would like to thank the Holiday Inn and Damon’s Grill for our Kick-Off and Awards Party, and the Hampton Inn for our committee meetings. And last, but certainly not least, my family and their friends who volunteer countless hours helping me prepare for this event. If I forgot anyone please know that we appreciate your dedication, support, and contributions. If you have any comments or suggestions on how we can improve this event, or would like to volunteer for 2009, please contact me at 301-934-2235 or jabell@marchofdimes.com . Thank you.

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