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Howling wind and driving rain Saturday did not deter a dedicated group of Frederick-area children from promoting projects to help the community.
Fifteen youngsters gathered at the Francis Scott Key Mall in Frederick for "Kids Are Heroes Day," a joint venture between the mall and the Kids Are Heroes Web site, which recognizes community service by local youth, founded by father and daughter Gabe and MaryMargaret O'Neill of Ijamsville.
The day included recognition of 15 "heroes" profiled on the site who received certificates from five adult "heroes" chosen by the O'Neills. Among the presenters were Jeannine Milyard, a 30-year teacher at Rock Creek School in Frederick, and Lt. George Thomas, a longtime Frederick County firefighter.
Those honored on Saturday included: Mercy Blouin-Escoto, 7, of Spring Ridge Elementary; Taylor Garner, 10, of Mother Seton School; Reagan Joy, 12, of Mother Seton School; Rianna Joy, 9, of Mother Seton School; Julia Lemick, 8, of Oakdale Elementary; Anna Lemick, 6, of Oakdale Elementary; Shannon McQuin, 10, of Mount Airy; Todd McQuin, 14, of Mount Airy; Amy McQuin, 17, of Mount Airy; Miranda Mossburg, 10, of Middletown Elementary; MaryMargaret O'Neill, 9, of Mother Seton School; John Sun, 8, of The Banner School; Kimani West, 10, of Ballenger Creek Elementary; Courtney Williams, 10, of Germantown; and Julie Yankaskas, 13, of Urbana Middle School.
In addition to the awards, the event also generated $1,000 in donations to charities each "hero" works to support. MaryMargaret O'Neill and friends raised $120 for the Frederick County Animal Shelter through a virtual adoption craft, during which young people took a picture of a dog or cat up for adoption and decorated it with favorite toys and other items to bring home with them.
Other crafts included a project by John Sun to make "welcome cards" for premature babies. (John was a premature baby himself.)
Gabe O'Neill said the event was a perfect way for the community to recognize young people making a difference in the world around them and for the young "heroes" to enlist more help for their charities.
"This is exactly what our Web site is designed to do," he said.
For more information on "Kids Are Heroes," visit www.kidsareheroes.com.
Kiwanis Club auction set for Saturday
The Kiwanis Club of Suburban Frederick will hold a silent and live auction on Saturday to benefit their work to help young people in the community.
The event is scheduled from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at the Quality Inn (formerly Holiday Inn) at 999 W. Patrick St., in Frederick. More than 100 items, ranging from artwork, dinner, concert and movie tickets, are up for auction. Frederick auctioneer Robert A. Wilson has volunteered his services for the evening.
Proceeds from the evening will benefit the Kiwanis Club of Suburban Frederick Fund, managed by The Community Foundation of Frederick County, to fulfill its mission of "changing the world one child at a time."
"Kiwanians respond to the needs of their communities by working together to achieve what one person cannot accomplish alone," said Dave Maloney, president-elect of the local Kiwanis Club. "Because of this event, The Kiwanis Club of Suburban Frederick Fund will be able to provide even more scholarships and grants, and help even more children in need. We encourage everyone to join us … for this worthwhile event."
Tickets are $5 per person and available at the door, or by calling Bill Muffi at 301-698-9415 or Joe Vitanza at 301-694-3478. For more information on the club, visit www.suburbanfrederickkiwanis.org.
Contact reporter Keith L. Martin at 301-846-2134 or e-mail kmartin@gazette.net.
