‘Milk Party’ tour comes to town today

In a season of high political drama, the Milk Party tour comes to Manatee-Sarasota with a 6 p.m. rally today to raise awareness of children’s issues.

The rally at Riverview High School, 1 Ram Way, Sarasota, is set to feature Amanda Evora and Mark Ladwig, pairs figure skaters and 2010 U.S. Olympic Team members who train at the Ellenton Ice and Sports Complex.

Also scheduled to appear are David Lawrence Jr., president and co-chair of The Children’s Movement of Florida; Rachel Mallett, 10, mistress of ceremonies, from Girls Inc. of Sarasota County; members of the PAL Sailor Circus; and the Riverview High School Jam Squad.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the 90-minute rally begins at 6. Organizers will be serving milk and cookies.

A 27-member committee of Floridians is campaigning aboard “The Children’s Express” bus in 15 cities from Pensacola to Key West between Sept. 6 and 30.

The Children’s Movement of Florida also is organizing a debate between gubernatorial candidates Oct. 16 at the University of Miami.

Democrat Alex Sink has already committed to take part in the debate, and the committee is in talks with Republican Rick Scott, a committee spokesman said Monday.

The campaign’s objective: To educate political, business and civic leaders — and all parents in Florida — “about the urgent need to improve the way we care for infants, toddlers and all of our children, making the well-being and education of our children the state’s highest priority,” according to a press release from the organization.

Rachel said she is excited and proud — but not intimidated — to be chosen as mistress of cerem0nies for the rally.

Previously, the Alta Vista Elementary School fifth grader spoke to an audience of 850 at the Ritz Carlton for Girls Inc.

“Rachel commanded the audience’s attention. She is a very talented speaker and doesn’t have any hesitation,” said Kay Mathers, director of community relations for Girls Inc.

What is Rachel likely to tell those who turn out for the rally?

“We are all here because we believe in making the well-being, education and health of every child in Florida our state’s highest priority,” Rachel said Monday.

For more information, visit www.childrensmovementflorida.org/

James A. Jones Jr., East Manatee Editor, can be contacted at 745-7021.

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