Reston, Virginia - The Medical Care for Children Partnership (MCCP) will celebrate 15 years of providing health care for the medically uninsured children of Fairfax County at its 15th Anniversary Awards Gala. The October 27, 2001 event, scheduled for 6:30 PM – midnight at the Hyatt Regency Hotel Reston, 1800 Presidents Street, RESTON TOWN CENTER, will feature an awards ceremony to recognize Dr. Nathan Lee, DDS, a long time provider of dental care for MCCP children; Mr. Richard Liggan, a retiree who sets a shining example for those with much more because he sets aside a portion of his social security to help children in need; Salomon Smith Barney, a significant corporate contributor and advocate for the MCCP; and Anthony H. Griffin, Fairfax County Executive, whose support as a county official as well as a private donor has been a crucial factor in the program’s success.
Alice Starr, Gala Co-Chair, said, “The MCCP is an innovative funding strategy that combines government administration with corporate and individual philanthropy and caregivers offer reduced-fee services. Because the County administers the program every dollar raised goes directly to providing health care. For $318.50 per year a child receives comprehensive medical and dental care. There are 19,000 families who qualify for this program in Fairfax County; the MCCP serves nearly 7,000 children.” She continued, “We are pleased that the business community has risen to the occasion and has been very generous to this wonderful program. We are grateful to the business community for coming through.”
Not all fundraising galas have gone forward due to the September 11th tragedy. Gala organizers were committed to going forward since so many of the families who qualify for the MCCP work in the service industry. Said gala coordinator Susan d. Garvey, President, SdG Associates , “Since the September 11th tragedy, the service industry has been laying off people because so many events are being canceled in our area. The MCCP had to go forward because it’s important to support the very families that they are trying to help.”
Said Sandra Stiner Lowe, Executive Director, Fairfax County Office of Partnerships, “All around the beltway and the United States people are contributing money to victims of the tragedy, and yet right here in our community, because of the tragedy -- we are faced with children of the working poor whose parents have been laid off or have experienced reduced working hours - - and we are deeply grateful to the corporations and indivduals who have made the decision to come out and support our fundraiser. It will be a fabulous evening - - you can sign up at the door! ”
