Hearts & Homes HONORS to be a Star Studded Affair in Support of Maryland Youth.

On Wednesday, May 7, Hearts & Homes Will Applaud Individuals Who Have Generously Given Their Time, Talents and Influence to Support the Needs of Troubled and at-Risk Youth

WASHINGTON -- Hearts & Homes for Youth (HHY), the Maryland nonprofit serving troubled and at-risk youth will host its first annual HONORS awards dinner on Wednesday, May 7. Renowned journalists Leon Harris (ABC-7/WJLA) and Lea Thompson (Dateline, NBC) will serve as co-masters of ceremonies. Ambassador Connie Morella will serve as the evening's host.

The Hearts & Homes HONORS is a celebration of individuals who have devoted their lives to the betterment of children both locally and nationwide. It is also a night to raise money for the Silver Spring-based nonprofit so future assistance can be given to the thousands of youth that HHY serves throughout the state each year.

The event will begin at 6:00pm at the Hyatt Regency located in Bethesda. Tickets for the event are $250 per person. HHY is expecting 300 guests to be in attendance.

"The Hearts & Homes HONORS is a special evening to celebrate the achievements of five individuals who have dedicated themselves to helping kids find safe homes, good families, success at school, overall confidence and so much more," said Rex Smith, President and CEO of Hearts & Homes for Youth. "It is because of their good works that we are inspired to continually help young people thrive."

The evening's five honorees include John Walsh, Cal Ripken, Sr., Doris Buffett, The Honorable George B. Rasin and Ms. Juli M. Wyatt, J.D. Each has shown a devotion to the betterment of children in his or her own way:

* Since the abduction of his son Adam, John Walsh, host of America's Most Wanted and the founder of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, has devoted himself to helping children across the country remain safe.

* The late Cal Ripken Sr. believed so strongly in creating opportunities for youth that upon his passing in 1999, his family started the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation, whose mission is to develop character in children and give disadvantaged youth opportunities to succeed.

* Doris Buffett, philanthropist and founder of the Sunshine Lady Foundation, has focused her career on educating women and children through grantmaking. Since its inception in 1996 the Sunshine Lady Foundation has awarded more than $50 million in grants.

* Judge George B. Rasin, a former Maryland State Senator, fought during his political career for the safety of children and remained devoted to helping kids reach their full potential as productive and positive members of society.

* Ms. Juli Wyatt, founder of Junior Achievers Motivated to Succeed, has dedicated herself to providing educational, athletic and entrepreneurial opportunities for abused, abandoned and neglected children throughout the U.S.

The night will begin with a cocktail hour, followed by a sit down dinner, a presentation of the Hearts & Homes HONORS, a live auction, a spotlight on the recent dedication of the Rick Ferrara Boys' Home and a special surprise award presented by Governor Ehrlich.

Five Hearts & Homes staff will also be honored at the HONORS. Special guests in attendance will include former Maryland Governor Robert Ehrlich, the Honorable John C. Tracey, and Janie McCullough, the Assistant Deputy Mayor of Baltimore.

Sponsors, who have graciously funded and supported the HONORS include Aronson Capital Partners, USEC, Inc., Central Wholesalers, Social and Scientific Systems, The QED Group, The Halo Foundation and JBS International, Inc.

For more information, or to request a press pass, please contact Carrie Fox at 301-754-3614 or [e-mail].

About Hearts & Homes for Youth:

Since its inception in 1964, HHY has touched the lives of more than 30,000 boys and girls throughout Maryland who are neglected, abused, abandoned, homeless or otherwise at risk. The organization's services include the only shelter in Montgomery County specifically for kids, seven group homes, therapeutic foster care, independent living and a unique foster care program for pregnant and parenting teens. HHY is only partially funded though state and federal grants; it relies on its community partners, corporate and individuals donors to continue providing for youth who most need their services.