The MOMS Clubs of Phoenix, Cockeysville, and Parkton, Maryland will be holding the third annual Halloween Hustle 5K Run, two-mile Family Fun Walk, and Trick-or-Treat Trot, a 100- yard kids' costumed fun run Saturday, October 18, 2008. The event will be held at the historic St. James Episcopal Church and Academy in Monkton, MD. Registration opens at 7:30 a.m. with the 5K Run and Family Fun Walk both beginning at 9:00 a.m. The Trick-or-Treat Trot for ages 10 and under will begin at 10:30 a.m. Special musical guests will perform at 9:45 a.m.

The MOMS Clubs are pleased to announce their collaboration this year with the Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks and the Greater Baltimore Chapter of The Compassionate Friends. All proceeds from the Halloween Hustle will be used to help the Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks build "Our Children's Playground" in the future Jacksonville Park in Phoenix. "Our Children's Playground" will be built in memory of local children who have lost their lives to illness or tragedy.

The Compassionate Friends (TCF) is an international organization with 611 local chapters across the United States and in more than 30 countries worldwide. TCF provides positive grief resolution after the death of a child. They welcome parents, family members, and friends who are seeking support. The vision of The Compassionate Friends is that "everyone who needs us will find us and everyone who finds us will be helped." To reach a local chapter, please visit www.baltimoretcf.com, call the 24-hour contact line at 410-560-3358, or E-mail.

Participants for the Halloween Hustle may pre-register by mail or on-line using a credit card. Visit our web site for more details. Registration is also available on the day of the event.

Fees are as follows: the 5K Run and Family Fun Walk are $30 pre-registered or $40 on race day (cash or checks will be accepted); the Trick-or-Treat Trot for ages 10 and under is $10. Children registered for the Trick-or-Treat Trot may participate in the Family Fun Walk. Strollers and backpacks are welcome. Events will be held rain or shine.

All participants will receive a Halloween Hustle T-shirt and goody bag on race day. Teams are encouraged to join. If you are a member of a special group, such as a book club, card club, or a sports team, dress to represent your group or wear your uniforms. Prizes will be awarded in various age categories for the best race times and most original costumes.

The MOMS (Moms Offering Moms Support) Club is the only international non-profit support group specifically for stay-at- home mothers. Its goals include providing moral support to at- home mothers, providing a forum for topics of interest to women, giving mothers more of a voice in the community, and performing service projects, especially those which benefit children.

Visit our Web site to find out more about the Halloween Hustle event or call the race hotline at 410-316-9655. To learn more about your local MOMS Club, visit www.momsclub.com.