AUGUSTA – Gov. John Baldacci has proclaimed March 20 to be Fresh Air Fund Day throughout the state, in recognition of the fund’s 133rd summer of serving children and host families.

Families who participate in the fund’s Friendly Town program open their hearts and homes to New York City children for up to two weeks or more in the summer. “By sharing their homes with New York City children, our host families tell us that they gain a new appreciation for their own communities and form relationships that last a lifetime,” said Jenny Morgenthau, executive director of the fund.

“This year, we are looking for new host families in and around the Auburn area to celebrate our 133rd anniversary and give youngsters a summertime break from the sometimes dangerous city streets.”

More than 65 percent of the children are invited to visit the same host families year after year. First-time visitors are 6 to 12 years of age and hosts range from young families to grandparents.

For more information about becoming a volunteer host, call Marie Camillo-Reimensnyder at 926-3557, or The Fresh Air Fund at 800-367-0003.