Beautiful Fundraising Efforts

For Veterans

To the Editor:

A very heartfelt Thank You to all those who made this year’s Beautiful Baby fundraiser for wounded soldiers such a huge success. I am happy to announce that this year, every single contestant received a wonderful stuffed animal, a free sitting and 8x10 portrait from JC Penney’s Studio, a toddler’s toothbrush and gum care sample from Dental Associates, a free lesson at The Little Gym, and a free cupcake from DOrazio Sisters Bakery. This year, I was also able to invite all the Beautiful Babies and their families (including siblings) to march (or be pushed in a stroller) in Newtown’s Labor Day Parade. You were all part of building a handicap house for Sergeant Earl Granville through the Homes For Our Troops nonprofit, and we should all share the joy and experience of marching down Main Street. I received a personal note by Earl’s mother, Maggie, thanking us for all we did to help him. This year’s contest raised more than $4,400.

Sincere gratitude to all the merchants who donated enough merchandise and services to fill five huge prize baskets for the top fundraising babies, as well as giving every contestant prizes, and to those who gave Gold Star monetary donations of $100 or more — Newtown Savings Bank, Mr and Mrs Scott Senete, and a very special thank you to Mr Robert H. for his $500 donation.

Please frequent the following businesses, including the above, for supporting our military: The Sports Authority, 1st & 10 Sports Bar & Grill, Target, Ricci’s Salon & Spa, The Bruce Museum, Aldrich Museum, Military Museum of Southern New England, The New Britain Museum of American Art, Peabody Museum, Mattatuck Museum, Mercedes of Danbury, Beardsley Zoo, Kohl’s, Quassy Amusement Park, Chase Bank, Wells Fargo Bank, Town Players, Happy Family Brand Baby Products, Sal e Pepe Restaurant, Good News Café, New Beginning Day Spa, C&C Unisex Hair Salon, Stop & Shop Supermarket, The Newtown Bee, Caraluzzi’s Market, A&P, ShopRite, Big Y, Tuscany Restaurant, Mona Lisa of Newtown, Carmen Anthony Restaurant, Armando’s Restaurant, McGuire’s Ale House, My Place Restaurant, Adam Broderick Salon and Spa, Edmond Town Hall, Pub 25, Maggie McFly’s, Dawn’s Pizzazz, Sabit V Salon, Annie’s Nails, Blain Adams Salon, and Newtown Nail Spa.

Thank you to the Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company, Store Manager Rick Marcucio and Stop & Shop Supermarket for once again hosting the Beautiful Baby Photo Voting Booth.

Last, but not least, I’d like to express gratitude and appreciation to the Blue Star Mothers for all their support, and for raising the brave young and women who proudly serve to defend our nation.

For information about entering a child’s photograph (newborn to 4 years old) in next year’s contest, please e-mail BabyContest2010@gmail.com. The child need not live in Newtown.

Lois Barber

Volunteer Fundraiser, Homes for Our Troops

33 Zoar Road, Sandy Hook                                    September 1, 2012