Forty-one local military moms-to-be enjoyed an unforgettable experience prior to the PGA TOUR’s THE PLAYERS Championship at TPC Sawgrass. The women, whose spouses are deployed members of the U.S. Navy and Army National Guard, were honored during an Operation Shower group baby shower presented by Birdies for the Brave and the PGA TOUR on Sunday, May 6. The event was held in the Birdies for the Brave Patriots’ Outpost located on THE PLAYERS Stadium Course. Supporting sponsors of the event included Petunia Pickle Bottom and Lend Lease US Community Fund.
“Expectant military wives do an admirable job holding everything together at home while their spouses proudly serve our country,” said Operation Shower Founder and Chief Shower Officer LeAnn Morrissey. “Sunday’s shower at TPC Sawgrass was an amazing opportunity to not only show our deep gratitude and appreciation for all these courageous women do, but also to allow these moms to share this special milestone together with other women in the same situation.”
Honorary hosts of the event included Vivien Zink, wife of PGA TOUR Co-Chief Operating Officer Charlie Zink; Tabitha Furyk, wife of 2010 PGA TOUR Player of the Year Jim Furyk;; and Cheryl McKinley, wife of General Craig McKinley, Chief, National Guard Bureau.
“It was very heartwarming to see how meaningful and enjoyable this event was for these military moms, as well as how much they truly appreciated everything,” said Zink. “As the mother of three daughters, I can’t imagine how difficult it is to experience pregnancy and in some cases, childbirth, without your spouse by your side. We are truly indebted for the many sacrifices military families make and it was a privilege to celebrate with all of these remarkable women.”
The “Celebration Fore Baby”-themed event included a delicious lunch provided by Zoe’s Kitchen; numerous raffle prizes; and the highlight of the day – the presentation of Operation Shower’s signature “Shower in a Box.” Each mom received a large box containing an array of unique, high-quality products and gift items for mothers and babies that were donated by companies including Petunia Pickle Bottom. To the moms’ great surprise, each mom also took home a brand new baby stroller generously donated by Maclaren, as well as a new car seat, which the Furyk family arranged through a donation from Chicco USA.
“Maclaren is thrilled to have been able to donate our Volo buggy to help celebrate expectant military families through Operation Shower,” said Maclaren Design Director Carolyn Komminsk.
