Our 30 lovely moms, some dads who had just gotten home or were about to leave and new babies.

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FL – Mother’s Day came early this year for 30 local military moms-to-be whose spouses are deployed members of the U.S. Navy.  The women were honored during an Operation Shower group baby shower on Saturday, May 4, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm in the Birdies for the Brave Patriots’ Outpost located on the 18^th fairway of THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass, during tournament week of the PGA TOUR’s 2013 THE PLAYERS Championship.

The “Sea To Shining Sea”-themed event was hosted by Holly Finchem, wife of PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem, and Tabitha Furyk, wife of PGA TOUR player Jim Furyk, with Action News team member Tera Barz serving as emcee.  Among the special guests were Admiral Jack Scorby, Commander of U.S. Navy Region Southeast, and his wife, Chris.  The event was sponsored by the PGA TOUR, with support from Birdies for the Brave, Petunia Pickle Bottom and Colgate.

Come set sail with us as we take a look back at this joyful journey!

The striking graphic designs by Love The Day and fabric runners (fabric from Carousel Designs) set the stage for a nautical chic shower!

Thank you to Melissa of Truly Chic Inspirations for the elegant dessert display.

Babies, baby bumps, amazing gifts, smiles…now that is a fun voyage!

Do you think the moms in the bottom right-hand photo below are having ANY fun at all?

Thank you to our sponsors for making this possible and our vendors for making it a party. Want to know where to get those gorgeous desserts, see more of our gift donors and a lot more happy moms? Visit our Facebook albums by Art and Alex Photography and Tracy Jones Photography!

The “B is for Baby” themed shower highlighted many of the key items that little ones and moms need such as feeding, diapers, bath items, and toys. Let’s take a look at some of the “ABCs”, shall we?

M is for Moms: 40 deserving moms. Aren’t they lovely?

D is for Decor: With graphic design inspiration from the talented Paper & Cake, this theme really came to life. Highlighting different areas in the  Babies“R”Us, stores, the alphabet never looked so cute.

S is for Sweets. Or is it for Save The Date for Cupcakes? Tanya created a darling dessert table with goodies from some amazing vendors. See our Facebook albums for all of the details!

G is for Gifts. I mean, what is a baby shower without gifts? Thank you to all of our donors who provided such wonderful things for our new moms. We think it’s pretty clear how much they are enjoying them!

H is for Happy. So many happy moms. What could be better than these smiles?

T is for Thanks. Thank you, again, to Babies“R”Us, and if you want to see more of this shower (and, trust us, you do!), head over to Facebook and check out a lot more photos courtesy of Captive Memoirs and Uptown Girl Photography.

R is for Registry. We’d be remiss if we didn’t remind you how you can help! Those interested in joining Babies“R”Us in supporting Operation Shower can visit Babiesrus.com/OperationShower, where you can donate products through a dedicated registry.

Operation Shower was launched in 2007 when St. Louis native LeAnn Morrissey asked her deployed uncle what she could do to help. He suggested that LeAnn send cards to the expectant wives of fellow deployed service members. LeAnn decided to do much more. With the help of family and friends, she gathered onesies and bottles, baby outfits and blankets, and sent each of the women a bountiful gift to celebrate the impending arrival of their baby. This was the inception of the Shower in a Box, a concept that was expanded to include over-the-top, amazing group baby showers for 30-40 military moms-to-be conducted at military bases and other locations across the U.S. Each uniquely-themed, spectacularly decorated shower includes lunch, prizes, an opportunity for the moms to share stories and gain comfort from other military moms-to-be, and the highlight of the shower, the presentation of the Showers in a Box to each mom.

“For military wives who are expecting a baby and whose spouses are deployed or soon to be deployed, the impending arrival of a child can be both exciting and stressful,” said Morrissey. Operation Shower was created specifically to honor these courageous military moms for all they do at home that enables their spouses to proudly serve our country and defend our freedom. We want them to know how much they are loved and appreciated, and provide them with an opportunity to celebrate this special milestone together.”
Since Operation Shower’s inception, the organization has honored more than 1,300 military moms-to-be from all five branches of the military at joyous group baby showers, most of them conducted in partnership with Birdies for the Brave – a military outreach initiative proudly supported by the PGA TOUR. Many of the showers are held during PGA TOUR tournaments, with upcoming events planned during the Travelers Championship at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, CT (June 18) and The Barclays at Liberty National Golf Club in New Jersey City, NJ (August 20). Past Operation Shower hosts and special guests have included First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden; actresses Sarah Michelle Gellar and Melissa Joan Hart; and other prominent, caring individuals from the sports, news, political and entertainment arenas.

The launch of the Showers in a Box stand-alone program will help ensure that military moms-to-be who are unable to attend one of the group baby showers due to geographic location or health reasons will still have an opportunity to be showered with gifts and reminded how much their service and sacrifice behind the scenes are appreciated. The boxes are packed at Operation Shower’s offices in St. Louis, and then shipped to moms across the U.S.  For sponsorship, donation and other information, please visit www.operationshower.org or follow them on Facebook.

Supported by:

Oh, and the forecast? 100% chance of fun!

With our fabulous emcee, Angie Goff, running the show, this event was definitely more sunshine than shower!

The decor designs were all centered around Bath Time and brought to life with darling graphic designs by Hostess With The Mostess. They created a tidal wave of inspiration!

It wouldn’t be an Operation Shower event without an amazing dessert area. Thank you to Celebrations at Home and Petite Social for “pouring” your heart into designing such a festive and fun table!

Each mom was showered with amazing gifts! Moms enjoyed gifts from Babies“R”Us vendors, including a Babies“R”Us $100 gift card. Rain or shine, who doesn’t love a little shopping spree?

And, as always, our favorite part of any shower is always the flood of joy and excitement on the moms’ faces.

To see more of this Shower of Love and to learn more about our fabulous vendors, head over to Facebook and check out a lot more photos courtesy of MoxieSox Photography and Susan Biddle Photography.

Actress Melissa Joan Hart serves as the event’s special guest host

 PACIFIC PALISADES, CA (February 18, 2013) – “Melissa and Joey” actress and mother of three Melissa Joan Hart helped 40 military moms-to-be celebrate an early Valentine’s Day on Wednesday, February 13, when she hosted an Operation Shower/Birdies for the Brave group baby shower in their honor. The event took place in the Birdies for the Brave Patriots’ Outpost at Riviera Country Club during the PGA TOUR’s Northern Trust Open. All of the moms are the spouses of deployed members of Naval Base Ventura County.

The “Baby Be Mine”-themed event was sponsored by baby bedding company Carousel Designs, with support from Petunia Pickle Bottom, Northern Trust and the Northern Trust Open. In addition to lunch, each of the honored moms-to-be received Operation Shower’s signature “Shower In A Box” – a gift of high-quality products for mothers and babies that were generously donated by companies including Carousel Designs and Petunia Pickle Bottom. Special guests at the event included NBA legend and Northern Trust Open Executive Director Jerry West; country music singer/songwriter Cali Rodi, who performed two songs during the shower; and actress/celebrity choreographer Menina Fortunato.

This was definitely a day full of LOVE!

From the lovely graphic designs by Paper & Cake which inspired the charming pre-Valentine’s day theme.

To the lovely linens from Bright Settings  to the incredible vintage rentals courtesy of Found Vintage Rentals.

To the almost too pretty to eat desserts so lovingly made. (Almost..don’t worry..not a crumb was left!)

And, most of all, the lovely smiles and joy on the moms’ faces!

We can’t get enough of these beautiful bellies literally and figuratively surrounded by love!

We LOVE what we do and thank each of you that made this day possible. To see many more photos, as well as more vendor tags, please see our Facebook galleries by Nicole and Maxine. You’ll love what you find!

Photography by Nicole Benitez Photography and Maxine Evans Photography

In the fall of 2012, as part of a multifaceted partnership, Operation Shower and Babies“R”Us co-hosted two joyful baby showers benefiting more than 80 deserving military moms. Through generous donations from Babies“R”Us and their business partners, we were able to provide moms with much-needed gifts, including baby essentials such as cribs, car seats, Babies“R”Us gift cards and so much more, as they planned for the arrival of their little ones.

On Thursday, October 11, moms who live on base at San Diego’s Camp Pendleton enjoyed a “Baby Bistro”-themed fete highlighting the many foods and feeding products that these moms will introduce to their babies. On hand to serve as emcees of the event were mom of two and co-founder/Editor-in-Chief of Hostess with the Mostess, Jennifer Sbranti and mom and host of the TV Show “Weekend Entertaining,” Jeanne Benedict. Click here to view more pictures from this special day.

As winter and the holiday season grew near, expectant military wives from Ft. Hood, Texas were treated to a “Land of Wonder”-themed celebration, highlighting the festive time of year. Jennifer Borget, featured reporter and weekend anchor of YNN-TV in Austin, joined the attendees as host of the event. In addition to her reporting duties, Jennifer is a mom and contributing author on BabyCenter.com and Parenting.com. To take a glimpse of more of this spectacular event, click here.

You, too, can join Babies“R”Us in support of Operation Shower. Babies“R”Us is providing a unique opportunity for moms who register online at Babiesrus.com. Whether you are creating a new registry or if you have an existing one, simply add an Operation Shower donation of $1 or more. Then, encourage friends and family to donate when purchasing items from your registry.

You can also donate products to military moms-to-be by purchasing items directly from the official Operation Shower baby registry, which can be accessed through Babiesrus.com/OperationShower. All items purchased off of the official Babies“R”Us Registry will be shipped to Operation Shower and used as gifts for expectant moms at upcoming showers!

We are planning more exciting events to benefit military moms-to-be with Babies“R”Us this spring.  We look forward to sharing all of the highlights!

To learn more about our partnership with Babies“R”Us, please visit Babiesrus.com/OperationShower.

photographs courtesy of Jackie Culmer Photography, Elayne Dunn Photography and Forever Bliss Photography.

Operation Shower® teamed up with Birdies for the Brave® and PRO EM Party & Event Rentals hosted group baby shower for 40 military moms-to-be during the PGA TOUR’s 2013 Waste Management Phoenix Open

SCOTTSDALE, AZ (January 30, 2013) – Forty military moms-to-be whose spouses are deployed members of Luke Air Force Base and other local military installations were honored during an Operation Shower group baby shower on January 29 at TPC Scottsdale during tournament week of the PGA TOUR’s Waste Management Phoenix Open.  Local news broadcaster Andrea Robinson served as emcee for the event, which was held in the Birdies for the Brave Patriots’ Outpost military hospitality chalet.

Conducted in partnership with Birdies for the Brave, a national military outreach initiative proudly supported by the PGA TOUR, the “Love is in the Air”-themed event was presented by PRO EM Party & Event Rentals with support from the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Fighter Country Partnership and Petunia Pickle Bottom.

“It’s our privilege to show appreciation to these courageous women for everything they do at home while their spouses proudly serve our country,” said PRO EM Party & Event Rentals Vice President of Operations Brady Castro.  “PRO EM is honored to have been a partner with the Thunderbirds and the Waste Management Phoenix Open since 2000 and is extremely proud to support Operation Shower and Birdies for the Brave in their admirable mission to recognize our Armed Forces and the contributions made by military families.  We look forward to an amazing event.”

In addition to lunch provided by M Catering by Michael’s, each of the honored moms-to-be received Operation Shower’s signature “Shower In A Box” – a gift of high-quality products for mothers and babies that have been generously donated by companies including Petunia Pickle Bottom.   Beyond these tangible items, the most meaningful gift may have been the unique opportunity for the moms to gain comfort and support from other women in the same situation as they experience pregnancy and sometimes the birth of their children during deployment.

“For women who are expecting a new baby and whose spouses are deployed or soon to be deployed, the impending arrival of a child can be both exciting and stressful,” said Operation Shower Founder and Chief Shower Officer LeAnn Morrissey.  “Operation Shower was created specifically because typically military moms are the ones who hold it all together at home.  For everything they do at home while their spouses are deployed to another part of the world, these moms deserve our support, our thanks, our love and an opportunity to celebrate together.”

The event was the 18^th shower hosted by Operation Shower in partnership with Birdies for the Brave.  Among the special guests were country music singer/song writer Cali Rodi, who performed her song, “Dodging Bullets”; and Michael Green, associate general counsel, nuclear and litigation, at Pinnacle West Capital Corporation and its principal subsidiary, Arizona Public Service Company, and a member of the Board of Directors of supporting sponsor Fighter Country Partnership, who spoke during the shower.

“Having served in the U.S. Navy for 20 years, I know how much military moms do behind the scenes to keep everything running smoothly at home during deployment – and I have nothing but sincere admiration and respect for all of the military moms-to-be who will be honored during this special shower,” said Green.  “It’s our pleasure to support Operation Shower and Birdies for the Brave in showing these moms how much their service and considerable sacrifice are appreciated.”

During the shower, Wayne Doran and his daughter, Lindsay, who has served five tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, surprised the moms by giving each of them a brand new Maclaren stroller on behalf of the Doran Foundation.

Operation Shower (www.operationshower.org) is a non-profit organization dedicated to celebrating and honoring military families by providing joyful baby showers for military moms-to-be to ease the stress of deployment, or in cases where spouses are seriously injured.   Since the organization’s inception in 2007, Operation Shower has showered more than 1,100 military moms from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and National Guard on military bases, during PGA TOUR tournaments, and at other locations.

Operation Shower is supported by Birdies for the Brave, a national military outreach initiative proudly supported by the PGA TOUR designed to show support and appreciation to the courageous men and women of our U.S. Armed Forces and their families.  Birdies for the Brave was originally created in 2005 by PGA TOUR player Phil Mickelson and his wife, Amy, to support combat-injured troops.  In 2006, the PGA TOUR adopted Birdies for the Brave and expanded the program to include a variety of military outreach efforts in support of wounded warriors and military families.  For more information, visit www.birdiesforthebrave.org.

Operation Shower® teamed up with Birdies for the Brave® and Ashford University to host group baby shower for 40 military moms-to-be during the PGA TOUR’s 2013 Farmers Insurance Open

San Diego’s Amy Mickelson hosted event honoring military families

LA JOLLA, CA (January 22, 2013) – Known for her sunny disposition, infectious smile and passion for giving back, San Diego’s Amy Mickelson – the wife of PGA TOUR player Phil Mickelson – left an indelible impression on 40 local military moms-to-be when she hosted an Operation Shower/Birdies for the Brave group baby shower in their honor.  The event was held on Tuesday, January 22, from 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm in the practice range event tent at Torrey Pines Golf Course in La Jolla during the 2013 Farmers Insurance Open.  Presented by Ashford University with support from the Farmers Insurance Open, Petunia Pickle Bottom and Holly and David Bruce, the event was designed to show appreciation for the service and sacrifice of these women, whose spouses are deployed members of the U.S. Navy SEALs, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marines and California Army National Guard.

“It’s an absolute privilege to help celebrate this special milestone with these amazing military moms-to-be, who may not receive the appreciation or recognition they so greatly deserve for everything they do at home while their spouses serve abroad,” said Mickelson.  “I am honored to support Operation Shower and Birdies for the Brave in their admirable mission to honor military families.”

In addition to lunch provided by Carl’s Jr., each of the honored moms-to-be received Operation Shower’s signature “Shower In A Box” – a gift of high-quality products for mothers and babies that have been generously donated by companies including Petunia Pickle Bottom.   Beyond these tangible items, the most meaningful gift may be the unique opportunity for the moms to gain comfort and support from other women in the same situation as they experience pregnancy and sometimes the birth of their children without their spouses by their side.

“For women who are expecting a new baby and whose spouses are deployed or soon to be deployed, the impending arrival of a child can be both exciting and stressful,” said Operation Shower Founder and Chief Shower Officer LeAnn Morrissey.  “Operation Shower was created specifically because typically military moms are the ones who hold it all together at home.  For everything they do at home while their spouses are deployed to another part of the world, these moms deserve our support, our thanks, our love and an opportunity to celebrate together.”

The “Go Baby, Go”-themed event, the 17^th shower hosted by Operation Shower in partnership with Birdies for the Brave, featured a Design Challenge in which local event stylists were selected to design a table incorporating the theme.  Mickelson and her two daughters, Amanda and Sophia, participated in the Design Challenge.  Other special guests at the event included David Seaberg, director of Partner Education Services for Navy Programs in the San Diego area for Ashford University.

“We feel privileged to have the opportunity to give back in such a meaningful way to these courageous women, whose innumerable sacrifices may go unnoticed,” said Seaberg.  “This is just a small way we can express our gratitude and we are truly honored to join Operation Shower and Birdies for the Brave in their mission to celebrate and honor these women and their families.”

For many more scenes from this amazing day, inspired by the graphic designs of Hostess With The Mostess,  please visit our Facebook albums beautifully photographed by Nicole Benitez Photography and Jackie Culmer Photography.

Esme Infante Nii of Moms In Hawaii to host event in the Ka Makani Community Center

HONOLULU, HI (December 31, 2012) – Forty military moms-to-be whose spouses are deployed members of the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard, as well as the spouses of several wounded warriors, will be honored during an Operation Shower group baby shower on Tuesday, January 8, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm in Hickam Communities’ Ka Makani Community Center, a Lend Lease Community, at Joint Base Pearl Harbor – Hickam.  Held in conjunction with the PGA TOUR’s Sony Open (Jan. 7-13, Waialae Country Club), the “You Are My Sunshine”-themed event will be hosted by Esme Infante Nii, editor/host and chief executive mom at MomsInHawaii.com, a free, local online and “in real life” community of “Moms Empowering Moms.”

Sponsored by baby bedding company Carousel Designs and Lend Lease (US) Community Fund, the Operation Shower event is being conducted in partnership with Birdies for the Brave, a national military outreach initiative proudly supported by the PGA TOUR, with support from Petunia Pickle Bottom, the Sony Open in Hawaii, Friends of Hawaii Charities, Sony Hawaii and Pasha Hawaii Transport Lines.

“We are thrilled to join with Operation Shower and Birdies for the Brave to show our appreciation to these courageous military moms-to-be, who make innumerable sacrifices that enable their loved ones to so selflessly serve our country and defend our freedom,” said Allan Sicat, president of Carousel Designs and a former U.S. Army officer.  “Their service and sacrifice deserve to be recognized just as much as those on the front lines, and we are delighted to do that through this special shower.”

U.S. Army veteran Marc Sierra, managing director of Lend Lease US Public Partnerships LLC and Chairman of the Board of the Lend Lease (US) Community Fund, echoed those sentiments, saying, “We are truly indebted to these women for their service and sacrifice at home, and feel privileged to have an opportunity to show our gratitude through this special celebration as part of our ongoing support for Operation Shower.”

During the shower, the moms will enjoy a delicious lunch, have the opportunity to share stories and gain comfort from other military moms-to-be in the same situation, and have the chance to win raffle prizes.  The highlight of the event will be the presentation of Operation Shower’s signature “Shower in a Box.” Each mom will receive a box containing an array of unique, high-quality products and gift items for mothers and babies that have been generously donated by companies including supporting sponsor Petunia Pickle Bottom.  From onesies and baby bottles to clothing, crib bedding, diaper bags and toys, the gifts will go a long way toward raising the spirits of the moms-to-be, many of whom would not otherwise have the opportunity to experience a baby shower.

Operation Shower was created in 2007 by Founder and Chief Shower Officer LeAnn Morrissey, who identified a need for honoring military moms – the ones typically holding everything together at home while their spouses proudly serve our country.   “Without their spouses by their side, deployed to another part of the world, these moms deserve our support, our thanks, our love and an opportunity to celebrate together,” says Morrissey.

Nii’s work as founder of Moms In Hawaii (www.momsinhawaii.com) allows her to combine her background as a mother of two, and as a journalist at The Honolulu Advertiser and USA Today.  In addition to supporting the mothers of the Hawaiian Islands through Moms In Hawaii, other hats Nii wears include dance choreographer, event emcee, author, school volunteer, and promotions director of the Islandwide Crafts & Food Expos.

graphic designs by Frog Prince Paperie

Amy Mickelson, Cathy Justice to co-host event as part of Birdies for the Brave Fundraising Weekend

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FL (November 14, 2012) – Thirty local military moms-to-be whose spouses are deployed members of the U.S. Navy will be honored during an Operation Shower group baby shower on Friday, November 30, from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm in the Sunset Room of the TPC Sawgrass clubhouse.  The “Babies for the Brave”-themed event will be hosted by Amy Mickelson, wife of PGA TOUR player Phil Mickelson, and Cathy Justice, wife of Greenbrier Resort Owner Jim Justice, as part of a Birdies for the Brave fundraising weekend taking place at TPC Sawgrass from Friday, November 30 – Saturday, December 1.

Sponsored by University of Phoenix, the Operation Shower event is being conducted in partnership with Birdies for the Brave, with support from Young America and Petunia Pickle Bottom.

“Our active duty military members and veterans are this nation’s heroes, and that means not only supporting them while overseas, but also making sure their families are taken care of back home,” said Mark Brenner, senior vice president of external affairs at Apollo Group. “University of Phoenix is proud to sponsor this Operation Shower® event to honor our nation’s military members as well as the heroes at home – military spouses and expectant mothers raising families while their loved ones protect our nation around the world.”

During the Shower, the moms will enjoy a delicious lunch, have the opportunity to share stories and gain comfort from other military moms-to-be in the same situation, and have the chance to win raffle prizes.  The highlight of the event will be the presentation of Operation Shower’s signature “Shower in a Box.” Each mom will receive a box containing an array of unique, high-quality products and gift items for mothers and babies that have been generously donated by companies including supporting sponsor Petunia Pickle Bottom.  From onesies and baby bottles to clothing, crib bedding, diaper bags and toys, the gifts will go a long way toward raising the spirits of the moms-to-be, many of whom would not otherwise have the opportunity to experience a baby shower.  Young America, Stanley Furniture Company’s industry-leading brand of nursery and youth furniture, which is made exclusively in the USA, will provide the grand raffle prize.

“At Young America, we are proud to offer the safest furniture that parents can buy for a child, and our American-made story is especially appropriate for the children of true American heroes – our military members serving abroad,” said Neil MacKenzie, director of marketing at Young America and Stanley Furniture Company. “Young America is excited to support Operation Shower and Birdies for the Brave to do what we can to ensure that the littlest members of our nation’s military families have a safe nursery at home while their parents work around the world to ensure our country’s safety.”

Operation Shower was created in 2007 by Founder and Chief Shower Officer LeAnn Morrissey, who identified a need for honoring military moms – the ones typically holding everything together at home while their spouses proudly serve our country.   “Without their spouses by their side, deployed to another part of the world, these moms deserve our support, our thanks, our love and an opportunity to celebrate together,” says Morrissey.

Petunia Pickle Bottom Founder and Designer DeNai Jones echoed those sentiments, saying, “Military moms play an integral role in preserving our freedom by serving at home so their loved ones can serve abroad.  We are delighted to partner with Operation Shower and Birdies for the Brave at this event to show our gratitude and support for these courageous women.”

In addition to Amy Mickelson and Cathy Justice, special guests will include Phil Mickelson’s mother, Mary Mickelson, and Amy Mickelson’s mother, Renee McBride.  Prior to the Shower, guests will attend a military appreciation ceremony on the event lawn outside the TPC Sawgrass clubhouse beginning at 9:30 am.  The ceremony will help kick off the Birdies for the Brave Pro-Am, part of the fundraising weekend, which is being hosted by the Mickelsons and the Justices and benefits nine military homefront groups supported by Birdies for the Brave.

The Pro-Am will feature 54 PGA TOUR, LPGA and Champions Tour players including Mickelson, Vijay Singh, Hale Irwin, Lee Trevino and Nancy Lopez.  The weekend’s festivities will also include a Gala Dinner on Friday night and a charity concert on Saturday night at the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts in Jacksonville featuring Vince Gill and Darius Rucker.  For more information on the Birdies for the Brave fundraising weekend, please visit www.galaforb4b.org.