Military moms and moms-to-be were celebrated and showered with gifts by Operation Shower on Sunday, March 8, at Patriot’s Outpost. This year’s theme was “New to the Club,” a playful nod to THE PLAYERS championship. The décor included beautiful florals, bright balloons, golf club posters and lanterns. Barbie T, host from 95.1 WAPE, kicked off the shower with a Q&A for the mothers. One mom has been in the military for 30 years and a majority of mothers are expecting baby girls.
Mallory Leeling, volunteer and development coordinator at Operation Shower, shared her experience as a military wife. She thanked and acknowledged the sacrifice military families make and how sometimes spouses are separated due to deployment.
“You have to do it together even when you’re not,” she said about parenting. She encouraged moms and shared how excited the Operation Shower team was to celebrate them. “I hope today surprises you in a positive way,” she said.
Mona Dexter, VP of military affairs at Comcast, shared her experiences raising her kids in several different countries. She said that there are both hard times and great times. She encouraged moms to seek out the support of other military families and the positive impact of staying connected.
Pam Smerker from Operation Shower and Barbie T led a fun animal baby matching game and the audience cracked up about how nonsensical some of the names for baby animals are.
Moms were gifted with $100 Target gift cards and a new outfit for their baby and laptops from Comcast. There were also giveaways, which included a baby carrier and gift baskets. Amanda Roberts, COO of Optum Serve, gave moms gift bags with access to free maternal health resources.
The shower concluded with delicious cupcakes with white chocolate golf balls for dessert and “showers in a box,” which included gifts and essentials for baby. Moms left feeling celebrated and appreciated for all they do.
