17 Women Honored For Contributions To Baltimore

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Moms are known for holding families together---and that goes for our communities, too. Monday, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake issued a public thank you to 17 women who go above and beyond for their neighborhoods and neighbors.

Pat Warren reports on the 10th annual Top Moms Luncheon.

Baltimore's top neighborhood moms are chosen for their commitment and tireless service.

For neighborhood cleanups and running errands, support for kids and the elderly, offering comfort, advice and direction---these women get a great big thank you. They represent individual effort as well as groups and organizations dedicated to the well-being of the city.

"It's been one of the best events that we do---the top moms event, the top dads event---there are so many unsung heroes in Baltimore, women particularly we're celebrating today who go above and beyond, not just for what they do for their family but what they do for our neighborhoods," Rawlings-Blake said.

Sheila Hicks is a breast cancer survivor who helps the elderly in her building.

"They need to go to the market; they need to get their medication but they don't have transportation. I'm still young. I'm on disability but I still feel I can help someone else because someone helped me," Hicks said.

Meaghan Grace organizes family-friendly events in northeast Baltimore.

"It's funny when you receive this letter that you're a top mom. My first thought was I need to bring about 50 people with me 'cause I'm not a top mom alone," she said.

They don't need to have children of their own to have a motherly influence on their communities. The women are nominated for the honor by their local community groups.