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The Markie Foundation Hosts Successful Kickoff Dinner

Foundation sets goal to raise $50,000 for children's hospice

Markie's Daddy Joe speaks about the Markie Foundation and it's goals for 2000. RealVideo Clip * You must have RealPlayer (it's Free!)

PLEASANTON, CA, February 19, 2000--The Markie Foundation's first official event, "An Evening with Markie's Angels," was a great success. Nearly 100 friends, family, and supporters attended the kickoff dinner to learn more about the foundation, its purpose, and how they can help this worthwhile cause.

Founders Janis and Joe Wuelfing, spoke about their son Markie and how he inspired them to help other families in need of hospice services and support while caring for their terminally-ill child at home.

They also set forth the Foundation's current goal to raise $50,000 this year for children's hospice programs in Northern California.

Following their inspirational presentation, the Wuelfings introduced representatives from two very important organizations that will benefit from the The Markie Foundation's fundraising: Comfort For Kids and the George Mark Children's House.

Diane Marie Coughlin, from Comfort For Kids, spoke about the importance of helping families in need of financial, emotional, and nursing support while caring for a terminally ill child.

Julie Cundith , executive director of the George Mark House, discussed this facility's goal to house families with terminally ill children whom otherwise would not have a comfortable and safe environment while caring for their sick child.

The funds raised by The Markie Foundation in the year 2000--the goal is $50,000--will pay for an additional hospice nurse through one of these programs. By hiring additional nursing resources, more families will receive quality hospice care, instead of being turned away due to lack of staffing or affordability.

As Joe Wuelfing mentions in his talk (click HERE for a RealVideo clip), the Foundation plans to hold several fundraising events during 2000, in addition to other ongoing programs. For example, people interested in helping the Foundation can show support by making online purchases (music CDs, books, gifts) via the Markie Foundation web site (www.markiefoundation.org). Through affiliation links to online stores such as Amazon.com and Sharper Image, the purchases you make via our web site will yield proceeds for the Foundation, and thus help us achieve this year's financial goals.

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