Helene Marks Early Start Foundation: HMESF Five Year Anniversary Party

I'd like to send a heart felt thank you to all those who attended, supported, and were a part of HMESF's 5 Year Anniversary Party at the Stellan last evening. The night was such an overwhelming success on so many levels. As I looked around the room, I felt so proud that the friends of HMESF, guests, early childcare providers, and leaders, all came together to celebrate one thing; my mother Helene Marks.

As I reflect back on the past five years, I am in awe of all the hard work and dedication put forth by the HMESF family. I said in my speech that "it has been an interesting, challenging, and fulfilling journey, as we worked tirelessly to make our mark in the early childcare arena." I am thrilled that we have been able to continue doing great work to honor my mothers vision of improving the quality of affordable childcare. Despite some of our accomplishments over the past few years, it is really the childcare professionals that deserve to be recognized. These providers everywhere work hard every day to develop children, to provide them with a healthy environment to achieve social and emotional well being, and academic success.

The Stellan was bustling with activity, great raffle prizes, and Dana's macaroons. We were honored to have two amazing key note speakers that portrayed the challenges faced and victories achieved in the early care world. First, Dr. Dana Friedman of the "Early Care Institute," spoke about the importance of early intervention, play, and social interaction. She highlighted how books and reading have a direct effect on a child, "the more you read to children from an early age, the more positive the perceive the reading experience." Next, we were thrilled to hear from Mark McGrath, the director of Hale House Center, and the recipient of the first HMESF scholarship program. He discussed how HMESF and our donations have positively impacted their center.

It was a very special night for HMESF. We appreciate your generosity. Please follow us on Facebook, twitter, and visit our website at hmesf.org to see what we have in store for the remainder of 2013.

Thanks for celebrating with us. We look forward to seeing you at our next event.