When the call went out for photos of beautiful babies for the 2006 Barons’ Ball Calendar, no one expected the overwhelming response that flooded the American Cancer Society office in Fayetteville. Over 153 photos and $20 entry fees were submitted for judging. It was a colossal challenge to pick the twelve finalist; one for each month of the year. Once the twelve finalist were chosen, professional photos of the twelve babies were taken in clothing donated by Carter’s Clothing by Debbie McFarland, Owner of the Memory Cottage Photo Studio and sponsor of the Barons’ Ball baby calendar. Enlarged copies of the twelve baby’s photos were carried in the Peachtree City 4th of July parade, full color ballots were handed out all over the county, published in the local press and then the votes started coming in, at a dollar a vote.

One of the finalist Moms really took the challenge to heart. Roberta “Bo” Hatch, mother of 1 1/2 year old George (Baby #2) went into full combat mode. Being a military wife, Bo really knows how to organize and lead a well organized campaign. She mailed a wonderful heartfelt letter, written by baby George, to everyone she knew. In the sweet letter to friends and relatives “George” explained that his Mom has a friend with breast cancer and helping to raise money for the American Cancer Society would really help her friend feel better. “George” also explained that if he won the Barons’ Ball Cover Baby Contest he would be happy to split the $600 store credit from sponsor Krista Bridges Burruss, owner of Serendipity Baby and Co., three ways – amongst three local military families who could use the extra help while one of their loved one’s is away fighting the war in Iraq or Afghanistan. Apparently “George’s” cute face and his beautiful letter were very persuasive. George received the most $1 votes with a grand total of $2,239.

The other eleven babies together received votes totaling $3,511.00, for a grand total from entries and voting of $8,810. Due to his overwhelming vote turnout, it is George’s sweet face that appears on the cover of the 2006 Barons’ Ball Calendar.

If you would like to join George and his friends in supporting the Barons’ Ball and the American Cancer Society you can purchase a 2006 Barons’ Ball calendar at the American Cancer Society Office located at 135 Bradford Square in Fayetteville. If you drop by the Memory Cottage Photo Studio in Peachtree City you can purchase a calendar and give a compliment to Debbie McFarland on the beautiful photographs she took for the calendar. You can purchase a calendar and some baby clothing at Serendipity Baby and Co. in Fayetteville and thank Krista Bridges Burruss for donating the clothing and prizes given away for the contest. Calendars are also available for purchase at Magnolia Park Day Care Center, Growing Minds Learning Center, Swoosies, My Gym, PTC Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Starr’s Mill Academy, as well as select other retailers around the Fayette County area. Calendars are $5 each, with all proceeds from the photo contest, sale of the calendar, and calendar advertising to be used by the American Cancer Society - Fayette County for local programs that are made available to our community free of charge, as well as funding research and development.

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