press release

MARYLANDERS FOR PROGRESS (LIBERIA). INC

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Marylanders for Progress (Lib) Inc. (MFP) held its second annual Black-Tie Fundraising Gala on Saturday, June 21, 2008 at Martin’s Crosswind, Greenbelt, Maryland. This occasion was graced by dignitaries from the State of Maryland, leaders of Community Organization, Marylanders and friends of Maryland County.

The purpose of this event was to generate financial support to implement MFP’s development projects particularly earmarked for the education and health care sectors, and economic empowerment for market women in Maryland County, Liberia. Our distinguished honorees comprised of dignitaries from the State of Maryland and sons and daughter of Maryland County. These personalities were recognized for their humanitarianism and contribution in the field of medicine, engineering and technology.

The following persons received special recognition:

Rev. Timothy Tooten, Mr. John Sanders and Mr. John Brosnan of WBAL/TV, for producing the documentary “Africa’s Maryland”, which chronicles the historical relationship between the State of Maryland and Maryland County Liberia from the 1800s. This documentary facilitated the decision to sign the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Governor Martin O'Malley of the State of Maryland and Honorable Sie Teba Neufville, Superintendent of Maryland County, Liberia. “Africa’s Maryland” also received national acclaim and garnered numerous awards including the following:

First place and Grand Prize (National Headliners Award)

First place and Best Documentary (Society for Professional Journalism) -Best documentary among Journalist in Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia.

First place and Best Documentary (Edward R. Murrow Awards--Radio Television News Directors Association)-Best Documentary among Journalist in Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia.

First Place and Best Documentary (Associated Press)--Best Documentary among Journalist in Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia.

First Place and Best Documentary (Capitol--EMMY AWARD) Best Documentary among Journalist in Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia.

Finalist (National Association of Black Journalist). First Place to be announced on July 26th In Chicago, Illinois.

Hon. Ollie P. Anderson, retired US State Department official, a voice for Africa and President of Maryland Africa Societies, Inc. for his staunch support of MFP’s programs and furthering the cause by writing to Maryland Governor O’Malley and articulating the historical facts as to why Maryland County is deserving of a sister-state relationship with the state of Maryland. His support helped our efforts in the signing of the MOU.

Dr. Regina Cooper, for her dedication and unwavering service to the citizens of Maryland County and Southeast Liberia which included 15 years as a Public Health Physician, with emphasis on Primary Health Care (PHC). She also developed training programs for community health workers and served as regional medical director and PHC project director for Southeast Liberia for UNDP. She served as health coordinator for the Catholic Diocese of Cape Palmas focusing on counseling, rehabilitating and monitoring of diocesans clinics, training of mid-level and community based health workers, implementation of HIV/AIDS awareness as well as healing and reconciliation programs. In the midst of fierce fighting during the civil war, Dr. Cooper served her people very well.

Mr. Claude E. Langley: Engineer/Contractor - Metro Technologies, Inc., founding member of MFP, a staunch and dedicated supporter was recognized for his humanitarian services to Maryland County and Liberia. Mr. Langley served in the capacity of Vice President for Marylanders for Progress and continues to be a strong voice in the efforts of programs and implementation of projects by MFP in Maryland County. Mr. Langley allows the use of his office and facilities for MFP’s monthly meetings without compensation from the organization.

Mr. Gerald W. Brown: Information Security Analyst, World Bank, was recognized for his commitment of service. Mr. Brown, a philanthropist and non- member of MFP continues to provide services to the organization since 2001. He began his humanitarian work by designing the organization’s first web site and has been tasked with printing and designing all programs, tickets without compensation. Mr. Brown assisted MFP’s NGO project director, Mr. Christian Herbert in compiling, designing and printing the Maryland Development Agenda (MDA) a needs assessment booklet on Maryland County that is now used as a guide by many international NGOs and Government Ministries for projects in the Southeast region of Liberia.

In addition to the certificates awarded by MFP, the honorees also received citations from the Governor of the State of Maryland, Hon. Martin O'Malley recognizing their achievements with MFP and their contributions to Maryland County, Liberia and society in general. The CERTIFICATES OF RECOGNITION were presented on behalf of the State of Maryland.

We were also honored to have in our mist, Mr. Eric Giko, Vice President of the National Maryland Association of Liberia, (NAMCAL) and Mr. Ernest Johnson, President of the Liberian Association of the Metropolitan area. In his remarks, Mr. Giko thanked MFP for the invitation accorded him and admonished all NAMCAL chapters to work together as a unified body to further the objectives of the National Association for the development of Maryland County.