Contact:
Elvia Thompson, Deputy Minister of Propaganda
Maritime Republic of Eastport
410-990-9025
elvia@stellarpresentations.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MRE CITIZENS VOTE TO DONATE TUG OF WAR PROCEEDS
TO TERRORIST ATTACK VICTIMS' FAMILIES

An assembly of citizens of the Maritime Republic of Eastport voted last night to donate a portion of the funds to be raised at the upcoming Tug of War to the families of victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attack on America. Since the first Tug across Annapolis Harbor in 1998, the tongue-in-cheek breakaway republic has raised and distributed nearly $50,000, all to nonprofit groups within the community. This is the MRE's first vote for "foreign aid."

"We don't want to lose track of the needs of our local organizations herein our community," said Chris Kellogg, MRE Premier. "However, as this year's Tug chairman, Mike Raab, has pointed out, we also feel a need to help those who have suffered so much."

The spirit of MRE is "Fun with a Purpose," as the charitable aspect of the Tug demonstrates.

The Tug of War, to be held on Saturday, Nov. 3, pits rival teams in Eastport and Annapolis to pull a custom woven 1,700-foot-long rope across Annapolis Harbor, which, since last year's victory, is now known as Gulf of Eastport. In addition to civic pride and bragging rights, the Tug is also a fundraising event for local charities. Last year over $18,000 was raised by corporate sponsorship of teams, advertising sales, and pledges of individual tuggers.

The Tug organizing committee has selected 10 local charities as the recipients of this year's Tug proceeds. However, given the terrorist attack on America last week, MRE citizens voted to add assistance to the families of victims as an 11th charity. The exact organization to receive the funds and the proportional amount will be determined closer to the event itself.

The Tug of War, now in its fourth year, draws on the rivalry between Eastport, the maritime neighborhood across Spa Creek from downtown Annapolis, and the city itself, with civic pride on both sides of the creek making this zany event more than a community fun day. The family-friendly event draws considerable media attention, including CNN in past years.

The Coast Guard closes the Gulf of Eastport (Annapolis Harbor) for several hours while the teams on either side of the water tug away during the scheduled "heats."

Downtown Annapolis and Eastport are transformed, with a festival-like atmosphere that includes food vendors, face-painting, clowns, cheering crowds, and all sorts of local color. Teams consisting of all men, all women, and coed have traditionally been the anchor teams for the tugs, earning the Maritime Republic of Eastport bragging rights for the first three years over its "citified" cousins across the Spa Creek.

MRE sponsors the event as part of its commitment to make the entire community a better place to live. With the financial backing of other private groups and businesses, the Tug is an outstanding example of how to supplement local, state and federal government activities.

More information about the Tug and MRE is available on the Web at www.themre.org.

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