On July 26, NJ Sharing Network held its annual Celebration of Life and Remembrance event at the Forest Lodge in Warren, New Jersey. This event is held to honor and remember our donor families as well as to express our appreciation for our Champions for Life volunteers, hospital and community partners and NJ Sharing Network staff members.
This year's event was our largest ever with over 630 people in attendance. Food was in abundance and activities included basketball, ping pong, face painting, “tattoos” for the kids and a spin art station. The day was sunny and bright and many enjoyed splashing in the pool. Our memorial Quilts of Love were on display and families had the opportunity to see their loved one's quilt squares. Many guests simply enjoyed connecting with one another and sharing their stories.
During the program, Mary Ellen McGlynn, Manager of Donor Family Services and NJ Sharing Network staff presented each donor family with a beautiful tribute of a personalized poem and a porcelain ornament inscribed with words “Transforming Lives.” Special Events Coordinator, Felicia McNeil and Volunteer Program Assistant, Mike Ussak presented awards to our most active volunteers.
Special thanks to Clinical Donation Specialist, Oscar Color and heart recipient, Vicki Hunter who hosted the perennial favorite, BINGO! Thanks also to Carmenza Sandoval for her donation of bingo prizes.
This unique event truly represents our mission, for it brings together donor families, volunteer (many of whom are transplant recipients), hospital and community partners and employees, and gives them a chance to connect with one another. In the truest sense, it is a real “Celebration of Life.”
Read about last year's event |
