Access Press, Volume 14, Issue 3, March 10, 2003. Article

Buy a Rose to Observe National Mental Retardation Awareness Month

In observance of National Mental Retardation and Related Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in March, Arc Hennepin-Carver will join other Arc chapters throughout Minnesota in selling beautiful, long-stemmed roses during its annual Rose Sale.

Arc will sell red roses, colored roses and lollipop dozens (mixed colors) for $16 per dozen, $12 per half dozen or $2 per single rose. All proceeds from the Rose Sale benefit people with mental retardation and related developmental disabilities through Arc's programs and services.

March was first designated National Mental Retardation and Related Awareness Month by The Arc of the United States and the National Advertising Council in 1979. Its purpose is to raise public awareness about the issues that concern the 7 million Americans with mental retardationCand their familiesCand to spread Arc=s message of inclusion for people with disabilities.

Roses will be available to the public at numerous sites throughout the sale, which runs through April 11. Arc Hennepin-Carver=s sale sites are:

March 10, 9:00 a.m. until all sold
Arc=s Value Village Brooklyn Center, 6330 Brooklyn Boulevard
Arc=s Value Village New Hope, 2751 Winnetka Avenue North
Arc=s Value Village Richfield, 6528 Penn Avenue South
March 25, 11:00-2:00 p.m.CAmerican Express Skyway, downtown Minneapolis
March 31, 4:00-6:00 p.m.CArc Hennepin-Carver=s Chaska office, 106 Chestnut Street North

In addition, many local corporations will sponsor the Rose Sale for their employees. Companies sponsoring the sale on behalf of Arc Hennepin-Carver include ACR Homes, Alliant Techsystems, American Express, Augsburg College, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, District 12 Education Center, G & K Services, HealthPartners, KKE Architects, Mt. Olivet Rolling Acres, Padilla Speer Beardsley, Stellent Inc. and Victoria State Bank.

Rose Sale sites are still being added, so call Arc Hennepin-Carver at 952-920-0855 or visit www.archennepincarver.org for more information.

Arc Hennepin-Carver is a United Way-affiliated nonprofit agency that has been working for more than 55 years in Hennepin and Carver counties to secure opportunities for people with mental retardation and related developmental disabilitiesCand their familiesCto live, learn, work and play as they choose. Arc offers innovative programs, services, community outreach and education. For information and volunteer opportunities, call or e-mail Arc using the info above.

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