Lots of Llamas
It was a perfect and sunny day in picturesque Arizona. From the Birdies for the Brave Patriot’s Outpost, where our shower took place, we had front-row seats to the Waste Management Phoenix Open. While the greens were indeed a sight to be seen, we weren’t paying them the attention they deserved; instead, our eyes were drawn inside, with Presenting Sponsor, Pro EM Party & Event Rentals as we welcomed 36 military moms-to-be to their baby shower.
“It’s our privilege to show appreciation to these amazing military moms-to-be during this special Operation Shower event,” said PRO EM Party & Events Rentals COO Brady Castro. “We truly admire the courage and strength of military moms experiencing pregnancy during deployment, and are delighted to help provide an opportunity for them to celebrate and share camaraderie with other moms in the same situation.”
No Drama Mamas
All of the moms being honored were either active duty themselves or the spouse of a deployed or active duty service member. Former broadcaster, mom, and blogger, Andrea Robinson served as guest host of the event.
As tournament patrons stood along the course in hopes of catching a glimpse of a golfer in action, our guests inside were receiving the star treatment. There was a buzz about the room, as moms were greeted with a custom-designed coffee mug, complete with matching shower graphics. The mugs were designed, created and generously donated by past showered family, Ryan & Alicia Roseler. From there, guests were encouraged to stop by the photobooth, generously provided by Power Crunch.
Delicioso!
M Culinary catered a delicious lunch, and, it’s worth mentioning that their staff are some of the most hospitable folks around! In addition to lunch, each of the honored moms received Operation Shower’s signature “Shower In A Box” and several big-ticket items from 4moms, Discover Financial Services, Playtex Baby, Power Crunch, and The Mahan Foundation.
Nicole Phelps, wife of World Champion swimmer Michael Phelps and a brand ambassador for Huggies® Diapers, was there to help honor the moms-to-be. Nicole spoke about the Huggies® Safe Swim initiative, and she also made sure every mom-to-be went home with an ample supply of Huggies® Diapers and Wipes!
We were also pleased to have back, PGA TOUR Player, Hunter Mahan, along with his wife Kandi and their children. “I am so happy to have an opportunity to help honor these courageous military moms-to-be for everything they do both behind the scenes or on the front lines to proudly serve our country,” said Hunter. Mahan also serves as a PGA TOUR Player Supporter of Birdies for the Brave on behalf of Operation Shower and is a co-founder of the Mahan Foundation alongside his wife, Kandi.
All Great Parties Must Come to an End…
As guests enjoyed desserts from Inspired Sugar, singer, Cali Rodi, shared her musical talents from the podium. It was certainly a special day for our military families. For those in attendance, the gratitude of the moms being honored was palpable. But for the folks who could not be there to experience their joy and enthusiasm, perhaps this quote from shower honoree, Eileen will help:
“This shower was such an honor to be invited to. As a pregnant spouse to an AF member who is leaving for deployment one month after the babies arrive, my time at the shower certainly helped ease the worry and stress of raising the babies on my own. The love that so many people showed throughout the shower was just truly heartwarming and far exceeded my expectations. Wow! Just, wow! Thank you for making my very first baby shower one I will never forget but will forever be grateful for.”
Special Thanks!
We were lucky to have two lovely photographers who helped capture all off the joy throughout the day. To view photos from Everydayness Photography, click here. To view the album from Daisy Greene Photography, click here. Special thanks to Downtown DIY Bar for bringing the Fiesta to life through her cheery event design, and to Small Moments for creating the perfect graphics to match this colorful celebration! To all of our friends, vendors, and volunteers who helped make the day so memorable for Eileen and others in attendance, thank you! We couldn’t do this work without you!
