Tell us a little bit about your self. Is this your first pregnancy? Where do you live, what do you do?

My name is Tayla McElhaney, and this is mine and my husband’s first pregnancy. We tried for roughly a year before he was deployed for what was supposed to be a four month tour — but ended up being nine. While I was back home in the Portland, Oregon area during that deployment, I took it upon myself to seek the help of a doctor. The first doctor just wanted to medicate before diagnosing, so I sought the help of a fertility specialist. I ended up finding Dr. Stoelk, who turned out to be the best person I could possibly see in the PNW area. He was so caring and understanding, which was extremely refreshing. Within the first hour of sitting down with him, he had a hunch which turned out to be spot on: I had an inherited hormonal disorder (insulin resistance) which because it wasn’t caught early enough, despite my numerous complaints and knowing something was wrong, created a secondary condition called Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and it caused me to not ovulate on my own because of its severity; as a bonus, I also was diagnosed with hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). It only made sense when it was explained to me in the form of genetics, because I did not fit the “typical” Insulin Resistance and PCOS patient type, which is overweight; I have always eaten healthy, been active and had trouble keeping weight on, not off! When it was confirmed, he found fourteen grape-like cysts inside my right ovary. My husband was in port that day, so I was thankful that I could receive a call and vent about how hard that day was, and how much I just wanted to be held by him; my mother helped me get through that very rough time, and was extremely supportive, which I’ll always remember.

When our pregnancy was confirmed, we were absolutely over the moon! Our parents were too, as they knew how badly we wanted this for ourselves. Our family and friends who knew we were expecting (we chose not to tell very many people until we hit that second trimester mark), were able to see what we were having during a live internet broadcast that the clinic provided as part of the package we chose. We left with a DVD, and uploaded it to YouTube that night to tell everyone else that we were not only expecting, but expecting a GIRL! Emmeline Hope McElhaney is scheduled to be here sometime in the latter part of June.

How did you hear about Operation Shower?

My husband and I heard about Operation Shower through a friend that lives two houses down from us, here on Pt. Mugu’s Naval Base. Two days before the February 13th, 2013 shower, another friend of ours who is also pregnant, worked some serious magic and was able to get several of us who are pregnant and affiliated with the same squadron via our husbands, into the shower. It was a whirlwind, but was so, so fun and very impactful to our lives and our baby’s life with not just the donations but the love and understanding of what we go through as military spouses.  (Operation Shower note: We are so glad some waitlist spots opened up to accommodate these women.)

How has being a part of Operation Shower impacted your pregnancy?

Being a part of Operation Shower impacted us in countless ways. Financially, we would not have been able to afford the items we received and in turn, it lifted a huge weight off of our shoulders. We also felt the compassion and pure love coming from each of the donators, and those who held the shower just for all of us military spouses. During one point in the shower, I had such a flood of emotions because I was thinking about what we went through during this past deployment, and where we are now; that day, we were surrounded by such loving and caring people who put that special day together for us, which was translated to a lifetime of gratitude for not only that day, but everything it meant and will mean when our Emmeline Hope arrives.

What are your words of wisdom or advice for other military moms-to-be?

I cannot stress enough, that being a military spouse is HARD. Being a military mom/mom-to-be, is hard on a whole other level. Take things as they come. Try your best to not get caught up in the gossip, especially when it comes to detachments and deployments. You don’t know when anything will or won’t happen, until that day is there. Having back-up plans, in our experience, also lessens the stress too. My husband and I have already devised two separate scenarios of who will be able to be there for the birth, in case I go into labor early or later labor and he for some reason, cannot be there. Just having those plans helps ease our minds, even though we hope to not have to use them.
My other piece of advice is something I’ve only recently learned with our family being several states away, and with some even being on the East Coast: the friends you make while you are at this duty station, will become your “military family” in a sense; help each other out when you can, because there will be times when someone (even you) might need help due to being on bed rest or maybe a night out to the movies is needed. Regardless, these friends will become like family to you, and you will thank your lucky stars for them especially when your own family is hundreds or even thousands of miles away and cannot drive you to the ER when your husband is deployed, or let you vent about how stupid you think the timing of a detachment is.

What are some of the most impactful ways that others can give back to the nations’ service families?

Donating to a cause that helps support military families, whether they are current, former or are mothers and fathers who lost their child in combat, helps tremendously. However, donating time… that, also helps tremendously. If you can’t find a way to donate time personally, I highly suggest volunteering at your local Veteran’s Hospital, Veteran’s of Foreign Wars or Veteran’s Administration. Countless times I would walk into the Portland VA Hospital with my mother (I was her patient advocate from fifth grade, until I moved away to Southern California to be with my husband), and see kids our age (18-25 year olds) who are there for a chronic pain treatment and are by themselves. I can only imagine in what ways someone can be impacted, when someone sits with them during their treatment so they aren’t alone or brings them books or other goodies, to help ease their mind and their lonely hearts.

Anything else you want to share with us about your experience being a military spouse or with Operation Shower.  

Being a military spouse is like being in the military without being in a position that pays the bills. Although we have only been through two deployments of roughly the same length since dating and marrying, we know there are bound to be more and know they won’t get any easier especially that we now have a child due this early summer. We know birthdays will be missed, and milestones will be shared via email. We understand that we won’t always get the chance to be with each other on our anniversary, but we know we will have the chance to make up for it in our own ways when the time for homecoming nears.
When our spouses are deployed, organizations like Operation Shower, help lift our spirits in unimaginable ways. From lifting our minds and hearts, to lifting a financial weight off our shoulders when so many items are needed for a newborn, its truly amazing to be recognized in that way.
As a military spouse, you end up hearing how you don’t deserve to be recognized for being a military spouse because, “It’s not that hard, and they come home eventually… What’s the big deal?” They don’t always come home from work safely, let alone a deployment. Its incredibly stressful, but its apart of being a military spouse because it comes with whatever our husband or wife does for a living. Every marriage is different, and doesn’t deserve to be degraded. Deployments, detachments, phone calls and Skype sessions that you wait up until 0300 for, when you have work at 0530, happens to be apart of our story. Again, organizations like Operation Shower, help wash away the pain of separation due to a deployment, even for only a moment, and help lift us up when we didn’t think it was possible until our spouse’s homecoming.

Tell us a little bit about yourself. Is this your first pregnancy? Where do you live, what do you do?

My name is Ellery. I am 25 years old and I have two sons. Elliot and Noah! I am married to Stephen. He is a nuclear Engineer Officer in the Navy. We live in St. Marys, GA. I stay at home with our two boys.

How did you hear about Operation Shower?

I heard about Operation Shower when a representative called me and said I was invited to one of the showers! Someone from our FRG nominated me! I was so shocked and surprised!

How has being a part of Operation Shower impacted your pregnancy?

Being a part of Operation Shower impacted me in many ways! I was first of all, very humbled to know that there were so many people who cared so much to serve and honor military moms. I felt so special and honored at the shower. Winning a crib and a dresser took so much stress off my shoulders as well.

What are your words of wisdom or advice for other military moms-to-be?

Some words of advice for military moms would be to make time for yourself…even if that means really soaking up a long hot shower or bath when you get the chance. Reach out to others around you and be willing to receive help. We were never meant to do this alone!

What are some of the most impactful ways that others can give back to the nations’ service families?

Some ways that others can give back to military families could be to help watch the kids while momma goes to the spa…or just continuing to sponsor Operation Shower!

Thank you, Ellery. We love seeing daddy with his new son. Thanks for everything you do!

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.

Tell us a little bit about yourself. Is this your first pregnancy? Where do you live, what do you do?

First off, thank you Operation Shower for the experience and the amazing gifts. I felt very special and privileged. It was a great surprise.

I was born and raised in Puerto Rico and joined the Navy as a Hospital Corpsman. I met my husband HM2 (FMF/SCW) Jarrett Cooper at our first duty station in Mayport, Florida. We got married (going on 9 years) then decided to get orders with the Marines. My son Ryan Alejandro which is 4 years old was born in Camp Lejeune. We are currently stationed in Port Hueneme, CA. I work at the Naval Branch Clinic there. I am a full time student as well. I will finally be graduating on April 26^th with my Bachelors Degree in Health Care Management. My husband is currently deployed and possibly won’t be home for the birth of our daughter. Yes! It’s a girl! And I can’t wait to meet her! I am due July 2013.

How did you hear about Operation Shower?

I heard about Operation Shower through my Ombudsman. They just told me there was a baby shower through the Fleet and Family Support Services office and just to call to be placed on the list. I was unsure because I didn’t know the sex of my baby. The day of the Shower some of the other ladies were talking that they knew about the organization because they had a website. I had no idea! I didn’t know what to expect! I was so surprised! I started to look at their website in my phone. I was amazed for the amount of gifts and happy faces that other showers showed.

How has being a part of Operation Shower impacted your pregnancy?

It has definitely helped to “ease stress of deployment”, Operation Shower’s mission, and that was what it was all about. After I heard that I made the list I went shopping for a dress! I wanted to feel pretty, it was like an excuse to get pretty, ready for such important event; a Baby Shower. I was honored to be part of the Shower; it’s amazing to know that somebody somewhere was dedicating their time to provide happiness for us in such stressful time. Even though after 9 years of marriage, 5 of them we were separated due to deployments or trainings, you would think that being away would get easy, but no way! Not during pregnancy. The worst part is for him to miss feeling the baby moving. I remember crying not because of the gifts but because I felt special, somebody was proud of the amount of sacrifice that we do. It was good to feel that not only people are honored by your husband’s service but for what you do to maintain your family during deployments.

After I came back home from the shower with all the fabulous gifts my son Ryan was so happy. He wanted to know everything, what the other ladies got, what I ate, if I had a cake. It was fun to share the experience with him. I’m so lucky to have a sweet boy that cares so much while his daddy is away. I remember him saying: “Mom I want to be a baby again, my baby sister is going to have so much fun and she is going to look so pretty!”

What are your words of wisdom or advice for other military moms-to-be?

When I knew about Ryan, at that time, I was not in the service. I got in every baby class out there. There is so much support for the military. Not only are you learning about pregnancy and its care but they give you things to help you with your new baby. So far for me both pregnancies have been so different. In addition, I was part of many organizations out there that help to build the morale that you need after having a baby. You want to learn about tips of caring for a baby, what other moms do and learn from each other. One organization that helped me was Stroller Warriors Running Club. I usually don’t run unless I have to but to me I wanted to try something new, for myself. They helped me to get back in shape after my baby. Even though I joined their group for that, I had the opportunity to meet other moms and make connections with the military community and civilian community because of the amount of activities that you become a part of. I was also in a “mommies group”. I met amazing ladies that I still keep in contact with to this day. It is hard to be alone in a new duty station, so let’s look for something to do to help ourselves and our babies to socialize. So get out there, you are not alone, there are many like you and make a difference in your family.

What are some of the most impactful ways that others can give back to the nations’ service families?

Operation Shower was amazing it exceeded my expectations. The amount of work, supply, demand, and attention is to admire and to do it every month, in a new location? Voluntarily, WOW! How lucky are we! Thank YOU for recognizing us.

To me is not about the freebies, but the knowledge on what we do. Our families are the most important part of our lives. Being there for us like Operation Shower is significant and that is what is about. If you want to impact us in some way, try to keep our families together. We will do anything for them and we will sacrifice everything for them.

Anything else you want to share with us about your experience being a military spouse or with Operation Shower.

Being a military spouse it’s hard, is not easy, but is fun! Life is about adventures, like riding a roller coaster. We are not afraid of the new, of starting all over again, of being alone. I have my amazing handsome Sailor and beautiful family to keep, to hold, to be proud and to love.

Thank you, Keyla. We’re grateful for your kinds words,  your service and the adorable imagery of your son being so excited when you got home! (And, you did look beautiful in that awesome jade green dress!)

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.

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.

40 military moms-to-be during The Barclays

Farmingdale, N.Y. – “Melissa and Joey” actress and expectant mom Melissa Joan Hart helped provide a storybook baby shower for 40 military moms-to-be whose spouses are deployed members of the New York National Guard and Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (Trenton, N.J.) on Wednesday during an Operation Shower event at Bethpage State Park: The Black Course.  The event was held on Military Appreciation Day at The Barclays, the first event of the PGA TOUR’s FedExCup Playoffs.

Conducted by non-profit group Operation Shower in partnership with the PGA TOUR’s Birdies for the Brave military outreach initiative, the “Once Upon A Shower”-themed event was sponsored by Barclays and baby bedding company Carousel Designs, with support from Petunia Pickle Bottom.   Seven local designers helped make the event special by competing in a table design contest. In addition to lunch provided by Whole Foods Market, 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 donated by companies including Carousel Designs, Petunia Pickle Bottom and others.  Barclays also surprised the moms by giving each of them a brand new Britax car seat and a Maclaren stroller.  Numerous raffle prizes were also awarded.

Beyond the array of tangible items the moms received, the best gift of all may have been the opportunity for the moms to share stories and gain comfort from other military women in the same situation.

“I cannot thank Operations Shower’s team enough for the amazing day yesterday,” said one of the moms.  “Your generosity and kindness were truly unbelievable. I was able to Facetime with my husband yesterday and he was overwhelmed as well with all you have done for us. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!”

In addition to Hart, special guests at the event included Gil Sanborn, managing director at Barclays and co-founder of the Barclays Military Services Network; Peter Mele, executive director of The Barclays; and Allan Sicat and Jonathan Hartley, West Point graduates, former U.S. Army officers and owners of Carousel Designs.  Following the shower, Hart and the moms served as special guests at The Barclays’ military appreciation ceremony held on the 1^st tee, where festivities included military pageantry, a vintage military plane flyover provided by the American Airpower Museum, and an address by General Craig McKinley, chief of the National Guard Bureau and a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Hart, a long-time supporter of charitable causes that support families, said, “I was very honored to have the opportunity to host the Operation Shower event during The Barclays and express my appreciation for all these women do in support of our military.  I know how difficult it can be raising a family in the best of circumstances, and truly admire the strength, courage and perseverance it takes to keep things running smoothly at home during deployment.”

EXPECTANT MOM VANESSA LACHEY DESIGNS A MILITARY-INSPIRED BOOTIE FOR SHOEDAZZLE

TO SUPPORT CHARITY OPERATION SHOWER

Los Angeles (August 6, 2012) – ShoeDazzle is pleased to announce that actress and host Vanessa Lachey is the newest member of its “Celebrity Shoe Design Program for Charity.” Vanessa designed a military- inspired faux snakeskin high heeled bootie named “Monroe,” after the icon Marilyn Monroe, who was known for both her fashion sense and for her support of the troops.  The shoe will be available for purchase exclusively at ShoeDazzle.com on August 7^th, and all profits from the sales of the shoe will benefit Operation Shower.

Operation Shower is a non-profit organization dedicated to celebrating and honoring military families by providing joyful baby showers for expectant moms whose husbands are deployed. Since its inception in 2007, Operation Shower has showered more than 800 military moms from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and National Guard on military bases and other locations.

“I am so thrilled to be able to raise awareness for a great charity like Operation Shower,” said Lachey. “Growing up, my father was in the Air Force, so I have an understanding of what it’s like to have a loved one overseas during life’s biggest events. ShoeDazzle has provided me with a fun and fashionable way to support the military – and new moms!”

“ShoeDazzle is pleased to have actress and soon-to-be new mother Vanessa Lachey show her support of Operation Shower with this exclusive ShoeDazzle design,” said Bill Strauss, Chief Executive Officer, ShoeDazzle. “ShoeDazzle has always been a proud supporter of our troops and their families. The on-trend, military-style bootie is perfect for the fall and a fashionable way to show your support for the women behind our troops.”

ShoeDazzle launched its first cause-marketing campaign in fall 2009. Prior to Lachey’s shoe release, ShoeDazzle partnered with LaLa Anthony, Carmen Electra, Perez Hilton, Carson Kressley, Jenny McCarthy, singer Mel B and actresses Kristen Bell, Garcelle Beauvais, Kristin Cavallari, Kristin Chenoweth, Jennie Garth and Denise Richards and for its “Celebrity Shoe Design Program for Charity.”

About Operation Shower

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. Since the organization’s inception in 2007, Operation Shower has showered more than 800 military moms from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and National Guard on military bases, during PGA TOUR tournaments, and at other locations.

About ShoeDazzle^®

ShoeDazzle is the original and leading destination for personal styling online, treating women to personalized monthly head-to-toe curated collections and recommendations by celebrity stylists – building an intimate, personalized experience through creative innovation and social engagement. Clients enjoy access to exclusive collections—now including dresses, handbags, jewelry and lingerie—all at irresistible prices as low as $39.95.

ShoeDazzle has been making women look and feel beautiful since 2009. The company was founded by Kim Kardashian (who serves as chief fashion stylist), as well as Brian Lee, Robert Shapiro and MJ Eng. The company boasts award-winning client services, almost two million Facebook fans and more than 13 million clients.

Contacts

Hayley Scheck Antonian, B|W|R Public Relations, 310.550.7776 , hscheck@bwr-la.com

Lauren Bartel, ShoeDazzle, 213.389.8889 x 414, lbartel@shoedazzle.com