23 May 2003

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Barbara Guthrie, Executive Director
Rainbow Child Development Center, Inc. tel. 508.791.6849

SUN SHINES AT RAINBOW'S SIGNATURE EVENT

(West Boylston, MA) -- The sun shone down on Wachusett Country Club at the 3rd Annual Signature Event benefiting Rainbow Child Development Center, Inc. of Worcester. Over $14,000 was raised at this community-supported springtime fête, which is the chief fundraising effort of the Center.
The April 27th fundraiser featured: a four-course dinner; dancing and entertainment provided by the affable Joseph Tomlinson of Music By the Minute of Worcester; and a feverish silent auction featuring over 180 enticing and diverse items donated by generous merchants and organizations from throughout the Worcester region and beyond. Competition grew especially fierce over the vast selection of sports memorabilia, and the assortment of bountiful and beautiful gift baskets for all occasions. The final highlight of the evening was the Live Auction, conducted by the astute Christopher Doherty of Shea & Poor Insurance Agency. Over ten tempting lots included a one-week's stay in Florida for two - airfare included!
Volunteer efforts were essential to the success of the event. The generosity included the donations of auction lots from the many merchants, individuals, and organizations, as well as special donations and assistance provided by: the A.P. Zamis Wholesale Florist; Davis Advertising; Saltus Press; staff of Webster Five Cents Savings Bank; C.C. Lowell; Holden Pizza; Stop & Shop; Tatnuck Bookseller; Rainbow's Program Staff (especially Claudette Rosenbusch for coordinating the "Signature" children's painting; the Children in Rainbow's School Age Program; the Signature Event Committee, and their respective "significant others;" and Rainbow's Board of Directors.
"Success does not happen in a vacuum. The thank you's are endless. To all the merchants and individuals who donated items and time, including our terrific staff, we are so grateful for your efforts, and your obvious consideration for Rainbow's kids," exclaimed Barbara Guthrie, Executive Director. "We are also indebted to our local media for covering our event and helping to promote the work of our organization. Plans are already underway for next year's springtime event. We look forward to working with our terrific community once again!"

Rainbow Child Development Center (www.rainbowcdc.com) is a licensed, non-profit corporation that provides care, education, and therapeutic services to over 200 children -- ages 6 weeks to 13 years -- from families in the Worcester area. Located at 16 Laurel Street for over thirty years, Rainbow is currently finalizing negotiations to purchase the Edward Street School building, where programs and services will continue to grow and benefit the community's children.

To make a donation for next year's event, or for further information, please call Rainbow at 508.791.6849.