Hunt Represents Bayhawks At MDA HeartSongs Gala

By Amy Russell
Former Green Hornet and Severna Park Falcon Ben Hunt attended the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) HeartSongs Gala in November at the Ritz Carlton in Washington, D.C. The hometown favorite and midfielder for the Chesapeake Bayhawks was part of the event, which pairs professional athletes with a “Goodwill Ambassador” – a child with a neuromuscular disease.

Hunt was matched with Mercy Blouin-Escoto and her family at the cocktail reception and dinner. “It was an honor to represent the Chesapeake Bayhawks at the MDA HeartSongs event in D.C.” Hunt said. “I had the opportunity to meet and have dinner with Mercy and her family and we had a great time together. I was humbled to give back to a great cause. I look forward to staying in touch with Mercy and participating again next year.”
The HearStongs Gala began in February 2003 to celebrate poet and peacemaker Mattie J.T. Stepanek’s philosophy and message of peace, joy and “listening to your heart song.”
Stepanek lost his battle with neuromuscular disease in 2004 at the age of 13, but asked that the Gala continue to raise funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Stepanek published a series of five poetry books, each earning accreditation as a New York Times Best Seller, and contributed to several other publications.
In its eighth year, the Gala raised $300,000 for the MDA.
“It’s moments like these - when each athlete came marching in with their Goodwill Ambassadors - that make me realize we are not alone in the fight against neuromuscular diseases,” Fundraising Coordinator Nadine Pottinga told the Bayhawks. “The athletes have brought help and hope to not only the families present at the event, but to millions affected by a neuromuscular disease. We have had such wonderful feedback about the energy and enthusiasm each athlete brought to the event and I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that each of the Goodwill Ambassadors is forever changed by the evening.”
For more information about the event, visit www.HeartsongsGala.org