The recipient of our inaugural donation!
Following our very first meeting on November 13, 2017 (consisting of myself, Michele, and Christine at the Howell, NJ Starbucks), we were able to fire up a quick little Facebook group and rally a total of $300 for a wonderful local organization, Mary's Place by the Sea, in Ocean Grove, NJ. Mary's Place is a beautiful victorian home just steps away from the beach in OG where women who are fighting cancer can go for some peace, care, and understanding. From their page:
Mary’s Place by the Sea is a respite home for women who are receiving treatment for cancer.  We provide services that complement their medical treatment, including oncology massages, nutrition education, individual counseling, Reiki, guided meditation, expressive writing, and yoga.  Mary’s Place by the Sea is not a medical facility with medical staff.  We offer integrative services to women with cancer and provide rest and support during this challenging time in their lives. They are empowered with knowledge that will aid them on their road to healing. Since 2009, nearly 8,000 women with cancer have become "guests" of Mary's Place by the Sea.
The gals at Mary's Place offered me the warmest of warm welcomes on a cold December day, when I stopped by to drop off our checks. Despite my miserable head cold (I didn't sneeze anywhere, and used hand sanitizer before touching anything!) I honestly felt the healing of the place at work. I met with Felicia, Michele, and Maria, who could not have been more kind, and I immediately felt like I was part of the family. They offered to give me a tour, which I declined for fear of spreading my germs around a place dedicated to restoring health and vitality to women who are already terribly ill, so they described to me their mission and all of the amazing services they offer to guests of the center. I am so proud we were able to donate to Mary's Place!