Newsmaker Debby Perry - Tribune Review April 6th, 2012
A newsmaker you should know: Blogging mom recognized with national award
April 26, 2012 5:25 am
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When Debby Perry of McDonald decided to give up teaching to stay home with her children, she had no idea that her blogging hobby would launch into a successful career.
It recently earned her national recognition as the 2012 Publisher Mom of the Year by Macaroni Kid, a national organization of parents who put together free weekly e-newsletters and websites on events for children and families in their community.
"It's quite an honor. I'm pretty proud," Mrs. Perry, 36, said. "This was a really huge surprise. I never expected it."
Mrs. Perry is one of 400 Publisher Moms who create the e-newsletters and websites in communities across the country. The Publisher Mom of the Year award recognizes the individual whose work, newsletter and community focus best reflects the spirit and mission of Macaroni Kid.
In recognition of her efforts, Mrs. Perry and a friend will receive a six-day stay at Travaasa Destination Resort and Spa in Austin, Texas.
Mrs. Perry had been blogging for years when she said a friend told her about Macaroni Kid. At the time, she was looking for something that would allow her to continue to work and stay home with her three daughters, who are now 8, 5 and 3.
"I really looked at it as a way for me to get my writing out," she said. "I had absolutely no idea what I was getting into. It turned out to be this incredible opportunity to not only write if I wanted to, but connect with my community, meet people, form a business and work as a mom."
She started writing an e-newsletter for Macaroni Kid Robinson about events in and around the West suburbs of Pittsburgh. The popularity of the newsletter skyrocketed, and the unexpected success of the publication prompted her to enlist the help of two women who are sisters, Kim Inkenhaus of Robinson and Chris LaGrosse of North Fayette.
The team now runs four publications: Macaroni Kid Robinson, Macaroni Kid North Hills, Macaroni Kid Cranberry and Macaroni Kid City of Pittsburgh. In addition, the group has a regular television spot on KDKA's "Pittsburgh Today Live."
The e-newsletters are updated weekly and sent to subscribers in addition to being posted online. Included are local events and programs ranging from spaghetti dinners to blood drives and articles and information relevant to parenting and families.
"Moms are the best source of advertising and that's kind of like what we are," she said. "Our publication is one big mom. We're talking about the best of the best out there."
To earn income, Mrs. Perry sells advertising on her site. She said she is very selective about what advertising she accepts, choosing only relevant businesses that fit with the readership. Her goal for this year is to continue to connect with and support the community and to strengthen the purpose of the four publications.
"We're really proud. We know people are reading it," she said. "It's a really big accomplishment for us as moms who can tell other moms that if you've got a dream, go for it. Go for whatever you can to make it big and bad and awesome."
Shannon M. Nass, freelance writer: suburbanliving@post-gazette.com.
First Published 2012-04-26 09:27:07
First Published 2012-04-26 09:27:07
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