GOVERNOR EHRLICH UNVEILS FIRST ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY SCHOOL SKIPJACK TO BENEFIT ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY SCHOOLS ARTS PROGRAM AND SPECIAL OLYMPICS MARYLAND

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

GOVERNOR EHRLICH UNVEILS FIRST ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY SCHOOL SKIPJACK TO BENEFIT ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY SCHOOLS ARTS PROGRAM AND SPECIAL OLYMPICS MARYLAND

John White, CEO Compass Marketing Inc., honored as Major Sponsor of the Skipjack arts program.

ANNAPOLIS, Maryland; January 20, 2006–

An uplifting event to benefit both the Anne Arundel County Schools Arts Program and the Special Olympics Maryland took place as Governor Ehrlich on his own lawn helped unveil the first of 16 Skipjacks, models of the famous Annapolis sail boat, that are being painted by children at area Anne Arundel County Schools. The Skipjacks will be placed at different locations around Anne Arundel County, and then auctioned off to raise money for the schools arts program.

John White, CEO of Compass Marketing Inc. (www.compassmarketinginc.com), is a major sponsor of the program. He recently gave the program a much needed boost by sponsoring the majority of the Skipjacks, allowing the “Sailing Into the Arts Program” to come to fruition.

John was on hand to assist the Governor’s son Drew in unveiling the first painted ship. This particular Skipjack was painted by the students of Marley Glen & Ruth Eason Special Centers and is sponsored by the Special Olympics Maryland. This unveiling also helps kick-off the 10th Annual Polar Bear Plunge at Sandy Point State Park at 10 AM Saturday, January 28th.

Governor Ehrlich, with First Lady Kendal Ehrlich, and their sons Drew and Josh also on hand, said. “This is one of the best programs in the state. Thanks to all of you here who have made this event possible. We hope to raise at least $1,000,000 at this year’s Polar Bear Plunge,” said the Governor. ”This year the Plunge will hopefully break all past year’s fundraising records.”

John White was equally thrilled with the kickoff. “There couldn’t have been a better way to unveil this beautiful ship. We are excited about helping raise the target $1,000,000 for the Special Olympics, while also raising money and awareness for the arts program to benefit the 44,000 kids that attend the Anne Arundel County Schools.”

Mr. White went on to thank the Governor specifically. “We are grateful that Governor Ehrlich has helped bring so much energy and excitement to these two great causes. In addition to unveiling the first Skipjack on his own lawn with his entire family present, he will again be taking the plunge into the freezing Chesapeake Bay to raise money for the Special Olympics. Now that is public service, far above and beyond the call of duty,” said Mr. White.