Lauren Rose Albert Foundation NEWSLETTER — SUMMER 2011
Mothers Matter 2011 Stretches Its Arms Out to Embrace Hundreds of Local Moms Spirited volunteers worked tirelessly at the Lauren Rose Albert Foundation’s new headquarters to prepare for the gift of giving on Mother’s Day. After years of using temporary space, the foundation now leases the former public works building at 3 McClure Drive from Washington Township. “We are overjoyed at the prospect of inviting volunteers to ‘our home’ throughout the year, not just for a hectic six-week period,” said founder and president, Susan Rose. The Mothers Matter committee now has the capabilty to assemble and deliver gift bags on a year-round basis, noted Rose. The program began in 2001 with the distribution of 265 gift baskets. By the end of 2011, the total number will have exceeded 18,000. Despite the program’s growth and change from baskets to Mothers Matter gift bags, the attention to detail and personal touch remains consistent. Volunteers handpick products as if chosen for loved ones, to ensure an elegant presentation that is practical, yet pampering. Also unchanged through the years is the joyous reward of seeing faces light up when volunteers deliver the Mothers Matter gift bags.
MLK Jr. Day Care Center
NJ Veterans Memorial Home
Cooper University Hospital
Please Join Us . . . Lauren Rose Albert Foundation Day at the Riversharks
Comedy Night featuring Dena Blizzard
First Annual 5K Walk and Run
. . . Details Inside
Books for New Beginnings: How the LRAF Has Made a Difference in My Life By Kat Roberts
Sometimes the biggest gifts come in the smallest packages. My beautiful baby boy Riley weighed only 4 pounds, 13 ounces at birth, but he instantly captured my heart. His pure innocence filled me with resolution to transcend above my past, and become the best person possible. After my little angel was born three years ago, I returned to Rowan University to finish my degree. It was the wisest decision I’ve ever made. Not only have I learned a lot about the art of writing and early childhood education (my dual majors), I have also gotten to know myself. Along the way, I’ve been coached by some amazing teachers and supported by outreach organizations like the Lauren Rose Albert Foundation. The LRAF has awarded me a scholarship for textbooks or course related materials. As a single parent and sole provider, it’s a juggling act to balance a hairstylist’s career and full-time classes, and still find time to play make believe with my toddler. The financial assistance is vital, and received with heartfelt appreciation, though its copious gift is more valuable than money; for me it symbolizes personal growth. I have also been touched by the foundation’s Mothers Matters gift basket project; for two consecutive years, I have been sent home with a beautiful basket that was delivered to Riley’s childcare center by volunteers. This was the only gift I received, so I saved it to open on Sunday morning. As Riley and I sat on the floor to unwrap it, his blue eyes twinkled with pride as we investigated the dazzling contents. “Do you love your Mother’s Day present, Mommy; isn’t it so special?” he asked. Being recognized, and feeling like I am important is monumental — it fills me with confidence, promotes my faith in mankind, and fuels my journey with inspiration. I dream of writing, on an Adirondack chair, with a blanket, a sandy backyard, and the ocean acting as my i-Pod.
Dessert Night a Tasty Success An array of gourmet goodies tempted the taste buds of nearly 60 attendees at the LRAF’s first dessert-tasting event. Business cards were displayed in front of the buffet of mouth-watering cakes, cookies, and pastries so guests would know which local bakeries donated desserts and where they could go to get more of their favorites.
We thank the following for their delicious dessert night donations: Adelaide’s Cakes Apron Aversa’s Bakery Cacia’s Bakery Cup-O-Doodles DeLuxe Bakery Desserted Pastries Desserts by Design DiBartolo’s Bakery Famous 4th Street Deli & Bakery McMillan’s Bakery My Favorite Muffin My Little Kupcake Philly Diner Ponzios
Pre-Registration Form (Please Print)
Return to: Lauren Rose Albert Foundation 106 Kenwood Drive, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034
The Lauren Rose Albert Foundation and the Rothman Institute have united for the foundation’s first annual 5K Run and Walk on Saturday, October 22nd at Washington Lake Park, in Sewell, NJ. “We are proud to be affiliated with such an outstanding organization,” stated Rothman Institute CEO Mike West. “We have been a strong supporter of the cause since its inception and truly respect the foundation’s commitment to bettering the lives of women throughout the region.”
Name: Address: City: State: Zip: Phone: E-mail: Age (as of 10/22/2011): Gender: Shirt Size: S M L XL XXL
Funds raised will benefit the LRAF’s Mothers Matter and Community Outreach programs for women.
Please make check payable to: Lauren Rose Albert Foundation
“We are very excited about our first 5K Run and Walk,” said LRAF President Susan Rose,” and grateful to our good friends at the Rothman Institute for their encouragement and support.”
Waiver must be signed:
Pre-Race Day Registration Fee: $20 On-line Registration: Active.com Mail-in Registration: Return form with check payable to Lauren Rose Albert Foundation by 10/16 Race Day Information: On-site Registration — Begins at 7:00 a.m. Race Day Registration Fee — $25 5K Race begins at 9:00 a.m. / Walk immediately follows
In consideration of your accepting this entry, and granting of the right to participate in this event, I the undersigned, intending to be legally bound, hereby, for myself, my heirs, personal representatives, successors and assigns, waive and release any and all claims for losses and damages I may have against the Lauren Rose Albert Foundation, sponsors, event committee volunteers and L&M Sports for their representatives, successors and assigns and/or any other person whosoever for any and all injuries, illnesses, including death, that may result from my participation in said event. I represent and affirm that I am in proper physical condition to participate in this event, and verified by a licensed physician, and have sufficiently trained for the completion of this event. The undersigned has read and voluntarily signed this release and waiver.
_________________________________________ Signature of participant
(an adult or parent must sign for anyone under the age of 18)
SAVE THE DATES!
Lauren Rose Albert Foundation Day at the Riversharks
Comedy Night featuring Dena Blizzard
First Annual 5K Walk and Run
Sunday, June 26th Riversharks vs. Road Warriors Camden, NJ Game Time: 1:05 p.m.
Friday, October 14th Tavistock Country Club Haddonfield, NJ 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 22nd Washington Lake Park Sewell, NJ 9:00 a.m.
1) Go to www.riversharks.com and click on “Riversharks Fundraising Program Log-In” icon 2) Enter the code: Lauren 3) Click “BUY” 4) Select your seats; complete your order
For information: mothersmatter@laurenslegacy.org or call 856.428.7673
The LRAF receives $5.00 per ticket sale; ticket sales end 3 games before event date
Thank you for your support!
Thank you to our Mothers Matter friends, contributors and wonderful volunteers who make everything possible! Advanced Benefits Concepts American Legion Post #521 Ann A. Mullen Middle School Assumption Elementary School Audubon High School Bayada Nurses Bells Elementary School Birches Elementary School Blackwood Elementary School Bunker Hill Middle School Campbell Soup Company Cherry Hill West High School Chestnut Ridge Middle School Chews Elementary School Cooper University Hospital Council 10 Dollar Tree East Greenwich Township Schools Gibbsboro Elementary School Gloucester Catholic High School Gloucester County College Gloucester County College Student Government Gloucester County Community Church Haddon Fortnightly EMD Haddonfield Middle School Harrington Middle School Haviland Ave. Elementary School Henry C. Beck Middle School
Holy Eucharist Parish & CCD Holy Trinity Regional School Hurffville Elementary School Indian Mills School James F. Cooper Elementary School Kennedy Hospital Larc School
MAC Malvern School Mark Newbie Elementary School Medford Memorial School Medford Women’s Club New Jersey Manufacturers Insurance
Oaklyn Public School Orchard Valley Middle School Our Lady of Hope Regional School Paul VI High School Pennsylvania Hospital GI Associates Richard Stockton Elementary School Rosa International Middle School Rothman Institute Runnemede Public Library Russell Knight Elementary School South Valley Elementary School St. Cecilia Elementary School St. Clare School St. Edmonds Bank St. Marks Lutheran Church St. Marks Nursery School The Malvern School of Voorhees Thomas Jefferson Elementary School Trinity Presbyterian Church PW Mission Ulta Voorhees Middle School Washington Twp. Democratic Club Washington Twp. Volunteer Womens Org. Wedgewood Women’s Club William Tatem Elementary School Winslow Middle School Partial Listing
Lauren Rose Albert Foundation 106 Kenwood Drive Cherry Hill, NJ 08034
E-Mail: mothersmatter@laurenslegacy.org • Tel: 856.428.7673 • Fax: 856.368.0800 Website: www.laurenslegacy.org