As uplifting as the coming races are to our spirits, it is even more gratifying to realize how our support of this event directly benefits the lives of local children. As you likely know, the Steeplechase raises money for the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. In addition, thanks to the Steeplechase Pediatrician’s Circle, our support can also help children in another meaningful way – by preparing them for a lifetime of learning through an early love of books and reading.

Gifts to the Steeplechase Pediatrician’s Circle directly benefit Books from Birth of Middle Tennessee, a Children’s Hospital program that provides, free of cost, developmentally appropriate children’s books for local families as part of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Research confirms that early exposure to books improves a child’s school readiness and provides skills to succeed in academics and beyond. Books from Birth ensures that all children have that basic opportunity for a bright future.

We want to extend a personal invitation to you to help in this mission by joining the 2010 Steeplechase Pediatrician’s Circle. This year’s honoree is Dr. Robert Mallard, a dedicated physician who has served the Nashville community for more than 25 years. He is representative of all the Middle Tennessee pediatricians who work to optimize the physical and emotional health of children and families. Your tax-deductible gift of $100 or more will support Books from Birth and provide you the opportunity to honor a special pediatrician in YOUR life. Upon receipt of your donation, Books from Birth will alert your chosen pediatrician of the generous gift in his/her honor, and list them in the Steeplechase program.

Please join us in recognizing the outstanding Middle Tennessee pediatricians while giving generations of young Middle Tennesseans a positive head start through early exposure to the joy of reading. To have your pediatrician recognized in the 2010 Steeplechase program, please make your contribution of to the 2010 Steeplechase Pediatrician’s Circle online at www.vanderbiltchildrens.org/pediatriciancircle or mail it with the enclosed card by April 8, 2010.

Thank you sincerely for choosing to help the children in our community in this special way. We look forward to hearing from you by April 8!