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2009 Steeplechase Pediatrician’s Circle

2009 Steeplechase Pediatrician’s Circle

NASHVILLE, Tenn., March 23, 2009 — Books from Birth of Middle Tennessee (BFBMT) has been named the beneficiary of the 2009 Steeplechase Pediatrician’s Circle.

“As a pediatrician, I know firsthand how important it is to not only treat our sick children, but also keep children healthy by preparing them early for a lifetime of learning. Key to this is instilling an early love of books and reading,” said Dr. Rebecca Swan, 2009 Pediatrician’s Circle chair.

Each year the Pediatrician’s Circle accepts donations in honor of exceptional pediatricians to support a local charity. This year’s proceeds will be given to BFBMT, the literacy program of Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. The Governor’s Books from Birth Foundation will match every dollar donated.

“It is an honor to be named the beneficiary of the 2009 Steeplechase Pediatrician’s Circle,” said Sheryl Rogers, BFBMT director. “We greatly appreciate the efforts of Dr. Swan and the willingness of the Pediatrician’s Circle to join us in our efforts to help children succeed by exposing them to books at an early age.”

Books from Birth of Middle Tennessee, which incorporates Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, a Family Literacy Program and Jo’s Reach Out and Read Book Club, provides local families with developmentally appropriate books to read to their children at no cost to the child or family. BFBMT currently serves 30,000 families per month in Davidson, Sumner and Williamson counties. Since its formation in 2005, BFBMT has been able to distribute more than 890,000 free books to preschoolers in these three counties.

Donations to the 2009 Steeplechase Pediatrician’s Circle are tax-deductible and donors who give $100 or more before April 7, 2009 will be listed in the Steeplechase Race Day program, along with the pediatrician they are honoring. Gifts can be sent to: BFBMT, 3401 West End Ave., Suite 460W, Nashville, TN 37203.

Visit www.vanderbiltchildrens.com/pediatriciancircle to donate online. For more information, call (615) 936-6353. Donations Accepted Through April 7, 2009

Biggest Steeplechase in America’s Spring Season Slated for May 9

With race day purses, awards and bonuses totaling $416,000 – the largest in American steeplechasing’s spring season – the Iroquois Steeplechase is the spring’s premier steeplechase, attracting the best horses and jockeys on the National Steeplechase Association circuit. Seven races are held throughout the day, including the Bright Hour Amateur Hurdle and Guilford Dudley Jr. Memorial Flat Race.

The Iroquois Steeplechase has long been a major part of Nashville and Tennessee’s heritage and is considered a traditional rite of spring. Since being designated in 1981 as the official charity of the Iroquois Steeplechase, Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt has received more than $8 million from the event proceeds.

For information on advance ticket purchases, corporate tents, and tailgating and RV spaces, visit www.iroquoissteeplechase.org or call (615) 591-2991. To learn more about the 68th Annual event, Click Here!