June 3, 2011: In recognition of loving adults in the United States who step up to the plate to raise children not their own, SOS Children’s Villages is holding a contest for “Other Mother of the Year.” The first round of voting has been completed. The contest is now in its final stage.

As SOS-USA CEO, Heather Paul, recently explained on FOX5, the contest is an opportunity to tell the world about that special person in your life -- your other mother. Like the more than 5,200 SOS mothers who provide loving care for 80,000 children in more than 500 SOS Children’s Villages around the world, “Other Mothers” in America comfort, nurture, and provide for children whose own parents are unable to do so.

Vote Now for Other Mother of the Year

Between now and June 12, you can vote for “Other Mother of the Year.” Choose from the 10 finalists that an SOS panel of judges selected on May 30. SOS Children's Villages will announce the final winners on June 16, a few days before Father’s Day, which is on June 19.

One of the celebrity judges on that panel was Miss America 2011 -- Teresa Scanlan. “Miss America strives to give self-esteem and moral support to children who are sometimes desperately in need of guidance, just like Other Mothers do,” said Scanlan. “It is wonderful to honor the many women and men in America who care for children who are not their own.”

Vote for your favorite Other Mother nomination or make a donation to honor Other Mothers around the world.