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Fort Lauderdale's 'Big Mama,' Essie Reed, honored by governor

by CJaye | April 9, 2009 at 12:38 pm

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Essie "Big Mama" Reed has been helping her community and the children in her community for years. Every year at Easter and Christmas Big Mama makes sure as many children have Easter or Christmas. This year Big Mama is running short on her Easter baskets. She's looking to send out over 5000 baskets this Easter 2009 but she only has 500. Essie Reed has been an advocate for years in Northwest Fort Lauderdale,Florida what a powerhouse she is. If we only had more loving and caring folks like Essie. You can see how happy Essie is helping the community and her friends. I loaded pictures from different events what a wonderful lady.

“Ms. Reed serves as a surrogate mother to many by volunteering her time and service to children in need of hope,” Crist said in a statement. “Her dedication to serving individuals throughout her community makes her an outstanding role model and inspiration for others.”

For years, Reed as provided food, shelter, clothing and other support to members of the community and visits local schools and works individually with children to ensure that their basic needs are met.

More from Crist's Office:

Reed worked for many years to raise money for a community center for children and adults facing difficult times. Her dedication paid off when “Extreme Home Makeover” built her Team of Life Community Center in 2006. The shelter feeds needy people throughout the community, provides an afterschool tutorial program for the neighborhood, hosts groups of at-risk women and children, and offers a summer program. In addition to her shelter, Ms. Reed sponsors a college scholarship program with the assistance of a private foundation.
The Governor’s Points of Light Award recognizes Florida residents who demonstrate exemplary service to the community.

source: http://weblogs.sun-sentinel.com/news/politics/broward/blog/2009/02/northwest_fort_lauderdales_big_1.html