ANNAPOLIS, MD (May 4, 2006)-Comptroller William Donald Schaefer today announced that his office will host a booth at this year's 89th Annual Flower Mart to be held Friday, May 5, and Saturday, May 6, at the parks of Mt. Vernon, in Baltimore. The Comptroller will make available free access to unclaimed property searches for visitors to his booth.

"The flower mart is a truly great Baltimore tradition," said Comptroller Schaefer. "If you get a chance, come out and see all the wonderful flowers, snack on a lemon stick and visit my booth to see if you have unclaimed money out there."

The theme for this year's Flower Mart is "Baltimore's Bee…utiful Bouquet," represented by the colors of yellow and black. Event hours are 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. on Friday, May 5, and 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., Saturday, May 6. The event is handicap accessible.

Financial institutions, utilities, insurance companies and other corporations are required to report to the Comptroller any bank accounts, security deposits, wages, insurance benefits and contents of safe deposit boxes that have been unclaimed after three years. Funds remain the property of the owners or their legitimate heirs and can be claimed anytime. There is no statute of limitations.

To get more information on the Flower Mart, visit http://www.flowermart.org/.

Search for unclaimed property online for free.

Comptroller Schaefer serves as honorary chairman of the Flower Mart.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Michael D. Golden, 410-260-7305
Kevin P. Kane, 410-260-7578