Mother's Day Letter Writing Contest

Calling all kids: Does your mom deserve jewelry for Mother's Day this year? Send Martin Binder Jeweler a letter explaining why your mom (or favorite lady) is special, and you could win a sterling silver pearl necklace and earring set to present to your mom this Mother's Day.

Due to the success of last year's contest, the second annual Mother’s Day Shine Like a Gem letter writing contest has been expanded to include all area children ages 15 and under. Children throughout Northwest Indiana and its surrounding communities are invited to submit an essay—one to two paragraphs in length—explaining why their mom (or favorite lady) deserves to be honored with jewelry this holiday.

Six contest winners will be selected from the community submissions to receive a sterling silver pearl pendant and earring set, compliments of Martin Binder Jeweler. Community submissions will be split into three categories by age: under 5, 6 to 9, and 10 to 15. Two winners will be chosen from each category.

For the second year, Valparaiso Community Schools also have been invited to participate in this contest. An additional ten winners will be selected from the school submissions. Each elementary school with at least twenty-five student submissions will receive a $100 cash contribution that the school may allocate as desired.

All entries will be judged based on sincerity and creativity. Only one entry per child will be accepted. Contest winners will be contacted via phone and announced in the NEWS section of Martin Binder’s website, www.martinbinders.com, on Friday, May 6, 2011. Winning letters will be posted on Martin Binder's Facebook page and blog.

Children are invited to accompany their mom (or favorite lady) to the store to retrieve a pearl set and pose for a photo. All letters will be on display and can be picked up starting on Monday, May 9.

Essays must include a first and last name, age and phone number written on the back side of the essay to be accepted for submission. Additionally, please write the child's first name and age on the front side, as essays will be displayed in-store.

All entries must be received by Wednesday, May 4 to be considered. Essays may be mailed “Attention: Letter Contest” to the store’s address: 23 Lincolnway, Valparaiso, IN 46383 or emailed to: mothersdaycontest@martinbinders.com. Entries also can be dropped off at the store during normal business hours: Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For any additional information and rules, call (219) 462-5931 or visit www.martinbinders.com.