Local parenting group, Las Madres Neighborhood Playgroups, Inc., marks its 50th anniversary celebration with a daylong celebration at Saratoga Springs, Saratoga, California. Las Madres is a social and support organization for caregivers and their children in the San Francisco South Bay (Santa Clara County), established in 1953 by a group of Palo Alto mothers. The search is on for original members of Las Madres to be honored guests at the cake cutting ceremony. Live entertainment, carnival booths and prizes, jump houses and good food are just some of the attractions awaiting all current and past members.

LAS MADRES NEIGHBORHOOD PLAYGROUPS, INC. CELEBRATES 50TH ANNIVERSARY

San Jose, Calif, Sept. 12, 2003 -- Local parenting group, Las Madres Neighborhood Playgroups, Inc., marks its 50th anniversary celebration with a daylong celebration at Saratoga Springs, Saratoga, California.

A California non-profit organization, Las Madres is a social and support organization for caregivers and their children in the San Francisco South Bay (Santa Clara County)

With over 12,000 members since its birth in 1953 and 2000 members annually, it continues to be a strong parenting resource for the South Bay providing age appropriate educational information for all its members. Specialty groups are also formed for adoptive moms and spanish speaking. Established in 1953 by a group of Palo Alto mothers, its mission is friendship, family and fun.

Finding our founding year members will not only be really fun, it will allow our members, as well as the community, to fully recognize this organizations influence in the Silicon Valley for the past 50 years" said Stacy Schilperoort, president of Las Madres for 2003.

The 50th anniversary celebration will be held at Saratoga Springs Park in Saratoga, California on September 14, 2003. It is anticipated that 3,000-5,000 will be in attendance for the celebration throughout the day. Live entertainment, carnival booths and prizes, jump houses and good food are just some of the attractions awaiting all current and past members. A guest appearance by Sharkie is also planned.

Saratoga Springs is a venue rich in historic legacy for the past 138 years. The area was originally known as Campbells Gap and is the site of the first water-powered sawmill in Santa Clara County. Although the grounds have undergone a number of changes over the years, the rustic sceenery along the banks of Booker and Saratoga Creeks remains much the same as it was in the days when the sawmill workers and teamsters paused to eat their lunch.

The search is on for original members of Las Madres from 1953 to be honored guests at the cake cutting ceremony. All known members still in the area should be in contact with the organization directly by proceeding to the website www.lasmadres.org and clicking on 50th anniversary celebration" icon. Other honored guests invited to the cake cutting ceremony include Pat Dando, local city councilwoman and Ron Gonzales, Mayor of San Jose.

More information on the organization can be found at www.lasmadres.org