The Anna Jarvis Birthplace Museum, in partnership with the International Mother's Day Shrine, has chosen Margaret Cox, Fraternal Order of Eagles (FOE) Grand Madam President (GMP), as 'Mother of the Year.' Cox will be honored at the holiday's 100-year anniversary, at the Mother's Day Founder's Festival, featuring ceremonies held Saturday, May 10 and Sunday, May 11.

According to Olive Dadisman, Anna Jarvis Birthplace Museum Director, Cox was chosen based on her dedication to her family, the less fortunate and national civic organizations. "We were impressed by Margaret because of her work for St. Jude's and for being an excellent mother, wife and community servant. Not only is she a loving mother of four and a grandmother, but Margaret cares for numerous children with her charity efforts."

Cox chose St. Jude Children's Research Hospital as her presidential charity, and will spend approximately 300 days of her year-long term traveling to FOE auxiliaries throughout the country. More than $53,000 has been raised to date. "I chose St. Jude because it's unlike any other pediatric treatment and research facility," Cox said. "Discoveries made at St. Jude's have changed how the world treats children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases."

Anna Jarvis is considered the 'Mother of Mother's Day.' In 1908, at the Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church -- home of the Mother's Day Shrine -- Jarvis convinced the pastor to dedicate the Sunday service to all mothers. In 1914, Jarvis persuaded President Woodrow Wilson to designate Mother's Day as an official national holiday. The Fraternal Order of Eagles were also early advocates of Mother's Day; in 1904, Past Grand Worthy President Frank E. Hering, the 'Father of Mother's Day,' made the first known public plea for the holiday.

Cox became a charter member of auxiliary #3274 in Kingsport, Tenn., in 1988. The mother of four served in many offices at the national, state and local levels, including Grand Madam Trustee and Grand Madam Vice President, all leading to her current role as Grand Madam President of the 1.1 million member organization.

For more information on the International Mother's Day Shrine, visit / , and to learn more about the Anna Jarvis Birthplace Museum, visit / . For more information about the FOE, visit .