Residents of Miami Gardens show off their fantastic mothers for Mother's Day in the annual Miami Gardens "Mother of the Year" awards.

Award organizer, Miami Gardens Councilwoman Lisa C. Davis, has announced Dorothy Blount as the 2012 Miami Gardens Mother of the Year. A foster parent in the Florida Quality Parent Initiative, Blount has been a foster mother for 44 years, nurturing her four daughters and over 100 children.

"She is truly one of our best foster parents," says Sharon Frazier-Stephens from the Center of Family and Child Enrichment on her award. "She is a remarkable, compassionate woman. We called her home 'a place called hope.' Her foster home is like no other foster home in Dade County."

Blount however doesn't "really consider myself a foster mother."

"I'm their mother. I treat those as I did mine, my girls and the ones that I raised," says Blount. "I don't have to be your biological mother to care."

Of her over 100 children, Blount says she is most proud of her children giving back to the community as adults. Daughters Latoya and Tamara are both nurses and daughter Barbara works for the postal service.

"Taking care of the kids is the most important thing," says Blount.

For new mothers and foster mothers, Blount says the most important thing is to "spend a little more extra time getting to know them" and to "show love."

"Love works better that anything," says Blount.

Third place winner Michelle Lightsey, also most cherishes her 14 year-old daughter Bibacah. She most enjoys coming home from work to spend quality time with her daughter.

"Have a relationship with your kid," advices Lightsey to new mothers. "Let them know that you're there for them."

Other special moms honored for the Miami Gardens "Mother of the Year" awards are second place winner Nathonette Smith, and honorable mentions Angel Lightfoot and Willie Jean Williams.

The winner of the Mother's Day contest will receive a special Mother Day's gift basket. First runner-up will receive a $100 dinner for two gift card, while second runner-up will receive a special Mother's Day plaque.