The Healthy Start Coalition of Orange County raised over $30,000 at their Annual Celebration of Motherhood, held on May 8, 2012, at the Citrus Club downtown.
Keynote speaker, Carol Brady, Executive Director of the Northeast FL Healthy Start Coalition, remarked on the success of the Healthy Start legislation in creating local coalitions to be actively involved in maternal and child health issues in their communities. She also spoke about some of the local successes, the value of investing in prevention and the continuing need for services to families.
The highlight of the morning was honoring four very special mothers from our community. These women were selected by their organizations because they exemplify the virtues of Motherhood: Karen Rundle (Orlando Magic), Laurie Levine (Florida Hospital), Yolanda Dorsey (Bridges of America) and LaRone T. Davis (Wayne Densch Charities, Inc.). Each received a lovely necklace depicting the mother and child bond.
Sunday’s celebration also marked the 20th anniversary of Healthy Start. This past year the Orange County Healthy Start Coalition served over 9,000 pregnant mothers and babies. They funds raised will assist Healthy Start in their continuing efforts to provide services to pregnant women and babies, as well as, toward reducing racial disparities in birth outcomes.
