Heroes In Our Midst Program Issues Call to Connect with Others

Baltimore, MD -- A single working mom from the Baltimore area, who helped a local girl cope with the death of her mother and became a friend and mentor through the Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) program, was honored today as a national Hero In Our Midst.

   Carole Hofmann, a Crownsville resident and employee of Sun Trust bank in Glen Burnie, received a bronze Heroes in our Midst medallion and a ceremonial check for $1,000 that will be donated in her name to BBBS of Central Maryland to support the efforts of others like Hofmann who are giving back to their communities.

   Heroes In Our Midst is a nationwide initiative designed to recognize the everyday heroes of America’s communities, who are reaching out to make a positive impact in the lives of others, while inspiring citizens to follow their example.

   Hofmann’s “Little Sister” Casey Parce, a sophomore at Glen Burnie High School, looked on as Hofmann received the award before hundreds of mentoring colleagues, friends and well-wishers, including Maryland Secretary of State Mary Kane, at a special luncheon being held during the Women as Mentors Conference at the College of Notre Dame in Baltimore.

   Parce encouraged the public to send a greeting card or note of appreciation to Hofmann for connecting with her as her “Big Sister” all these years and to thank her for her constant support and love. Cards should be addressed to:

        Carole Hofmann
        Heroes In Our Midst
        3600 Clipper Mill Road- #250
        Baltimore, MD 21211

    Campaign officials say they hope area residents will be inspired not only to send a card or note to Hofmann, but that they will become everyday heroes themselves, by reaching out to others through this type of personal interaction and caring that brings people together.
Hofmann is the second individual honored in 2006 by the new Heroes In Our Midst program. To learn more about the campaign and its goal of recognizing America’s everyday heroes and encouraging others to make one-to-one connections that help bring individuals and communities together, visit www.HeroesInOurMidst.org.

Heroes In Our Midst is an initiative of the Greeting Card Association in partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.

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Big Brothers Big Sisters is the oldest, largest and most effective youth mentoring organization in the U.S. It has been the leader in one-to-one youth service for more than a century, developing positive relationships that have a direct and lasting impact of the lives of young people. Big Brothers Big Sisters serves 240,000 children, ages 6 through 18, in all 50 states. The national offices are located in Philadelphia. To volunteer or donate, visit www.bbbsa.org.

The Greeting Card Association, headquartered in Washington, DC, represents nearly 300 U.S. and international greeting card publishers and suppliers. It is dedicated to celebrating, promoting and preserving the tradition and cultural values of exchanging greeting cards.