To the Editor:

Newtown's Labor Day Parade is but a wonderful memory. You might have noticed the Beautiful Baby Winner and wondered what the contest was all about. It's a cute photo fundraiser toward getting our nation's wounded soldiers a handicap house through Homes For Our Troops, a nonprofit that builds homes for military returning with life-altering injuries. If you would like to post a photo (newborn-4 years) in next year's contest, please e-mail babycontest2010@gmail.com for information.

I would like to thank all the contestants and their families and all those who contributed vote money and prizes. Michelle Babyak Photography and Sandra Lynn Photography each donated their time and talent to giving the winner and first runner-up the lasting gift of a fantastic family portrait. Others who donated to the amazing prize baskets were Luke's Toy Factory; Edmond Town Hall; Quassy Amusement Park; Beardsley Zoo; the Aldrich, New Britain, Bruce, and Mattatuck Museums; Ricci's and Adam Broderick Salons; Town Players; Newtown Savings Bank; Chase, Wells Fargo, People's United, and Bank of America; restaurants Sal e Pepe and Angus Steak House; our three supermarkets;and the Newtown Chamber of Commerce.

The DOrazio Sisters Bakery, Club 24, Kohl's Department Store, Penney's Lifetouch Studio, and Dental Associates gave prizes to every child entered.

Many monetary donations came in anonymously, but a tip of the hat to James Gualala, to Barbara Kraushaar for the Yankees/Red Sox tickets, and John Schneider for the autographed Joe Namath football auctioned off at 1st and 10 Sports Bar.

Thank you to Ricci's Salon and Hero's Barbering for hosting the Cut-a-Thon that raised nearly $1,000 per hour for six hours, and to LobsterFest, Holy Cow Ice Cream Shop, and Stop & Shop for hosting the voting booth.

Please support these businesses; they support our nation's veterans.

Looking forward to next year.

Lois Barber

33 Zoar Road, Sandy Hook         October 14, 2016