Maternity Care Coalition executive director JoAnne
Fischer of Bala Cynwyd, with Dale Garson of La-
Fayette HIll./Joyce Santora
The Maternity Care Coalition kicked off its 2010 Celebrating Mothers Campaign recently with an Afternoon Tea and Floral Arranging Competition at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown.
The Tea, titled "Flowers, Tea & MCC," is an annual event held during the week of the Philadelphia International Flower Show. Nearly 250 women, some attending as mother-daughter duos, came to learn more about MCC's message of reducing infant mortality and racial health disparities.
Tonya Lewis Lee, a mother of two and the wife of acclaimed director Spike Lee, was the featured speaker, but cancelled at the last minute due to a schedule conflict. However, a short clip of her film "Crisis in the Crib: Saving Our Nation's Babies" was shown. The film portrays a crisis in infant health care, with the U.S. ranking 29th in the world in infant mortality, a figure comparative to rates in Third World Countries.
Guests were also treated to a Floral Design Competition hosted by Ann Catania, owner of Ten Pennies Florists and Decorators, with Campaign Co-Chair Diane Croce and Comcast SportsNet commentator Michael Barkann as team leaders. Floral arrangements were then auctioned off to the highest bidders.
At the luncheon, tables were laden with cucumber and specialty tea sandwiches and an assortment of sweets such as chocolate-covered strawberries. Servers also offered a selection of Out of This World teas.
The tea was the kick-off for MCC's Annual Celebrating Mothers Campaign, an annual appeal that raises funds and awareness to improve maternal and child health and well-being. Its centerpiece is a Mother's Day card with an original carnation-themed design, the campaign's symbol. When a $25 contribution is made, MCC will send a beautiful card in honor or in memory of the special women designated by the donors.
For 30 years, the Maternity Care Coalition has served mothers and babies in neighborhoods affected by poverty, infant mortality and changing patterns of immigration. Family Advocates at its eight MOMobile sites provide hands-on, individualized support to pregnant women, new parents and infants. The nonprofit organization also helps low-income families get vital resources and the information they need to make healthy decisions, and offers Early Head Start, Family Start and Cribs for Kids programs.
For more information on the Celebrating Mothers Campaign, visit www.MOMobile.org. The Maternity Care Coalition can be reached at 215-972-0700.
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