Shine and Inspire

Another wonderful Children’s Event, one of the best things we do at Shine and Inspire!

119 children and their families were our guests for a day of fun, music, games, crafting, lunch, hot chocolate station, haircuts and a family portrait.  Thanks to all the wonderful sponsors (see shineandinspire.org for the list), each child went home with a coat, hat, gloves, underwear, socks, shoes, clothing and something from their holiday wish list. So many other people to thank, it takes a village:

• The amazing Shine & Inspire board who made it all happen – Donna Powell, Karen McLaughlin, Sharon Evanko, Mary Jane Rossi, Nawaz Merchant and Carol Stolow!
• The fantastic volunteers, both new and those who keep coming back we appreciate you! We had a record number of young people this event, so proud to see a sense of helping the community start in our youth!
• Our volunteers who helped with the children’s shopping Karen Jacko, Linda Petrocelli, Margaret Conrad, Robin Schoonmaker, Pat Sedmak, Suzanne Beckman, Rosanne Pickell, Diane Coleman, Paula Matsiak, Fay Sagotsky, Blanche Forker, Sweta Patel, Karen McLaughlin and Donna Powell!
• The Civil Air Patrol in their uniform finest who had air simulator games and air patrol crafts – these young people are such an inspiration to the children!
• Photographer Doe’Rain Deane who took family portraits that were just beautiful!
• Photographer Isabela Ertel who took pictures of the event, so wonderful!
• Our amazing stylist Carlee Mooney who gave haircuts and added hair tinsel  (she was busy)!
• Maureen from Dancemaur Company who kept the music, dancing and games going!
• Book Smiles for all the wonderful books!
• New Jersey Weddings and Events for all the wonderful food – Antonio, Beth, Joann and team who are the best!!!
• The amazing Kari who made balloon characters for the children while up on stilts!
• Lala & Mimi’s Pajama Project that gave pajamas to every child!
• Central Paint and KK Sweets who donated the cookies (and supplies) for our cookie decorating craft table, and cupcakes for dessert!
• VIP Very Important Parties who donated the festive balloon arch!
• Emily and Justine, our princess volunteers whom the children just loved!
• Connor and his dad from the Hamilton A’s who helped unload and setup the event!
• Our knitting and crocheting volunteers who made hats and blankets for the children!

Last month we held another Conversation, Connection and Cuisine fundraiser at Blend Bar & Bistro that was just Spookalicious! We got into the Halloween excitement with prize for best costume – Strawberry Shortcake! Prizes too! Our fundraisers help us to stock our “Shine and Inspire Closets” in schools in Mercer County, and our upcoming Children’s Event!

Congratulations to Danielle Ingeri, owner of Outside the Lines Art Studio!

Danielle won the 24-25 Klockner Elementary’s Spirit of the Community Award, which honors stakeholders who make outstanding contributions to the school. This includes leading or supporting projects, inspiring others through ongoing commitment, and positively impacting students, staff, and families to promote academic success, growth, and community connection.

Shine and Inspire is so grateful that she is one of our Community Partners, also graciously hosts our breakfast meetings and is one of our Closet Collection Sites!

Our gratitude to CareOne at Hamilton Assisted Living for choosing Shine and Inspire for their Summer of Sharing. They held numerous fundraising events — a bake sale, Tricky Tray, Plant Sale (with beautiful pots hand painted by their residents) and Burgers & Brew event. Because of their hard work, they made a sizable donation to Shine and Inspire that will be used to support our community. THEY ARE NOW A “SHINE AND INSPIRE CLOSET” COLLECTION LOCATION TOO!

What a special place – you can feel the joy from the staff and residents. Thank you to Holly O’Brien and the CareOne team and residents!