There’s a reason why there is a map of Long Island on the Islanders logo.
That’s because the Islanders, from their inception in 1972, have always given back to the Long Island community in so many different ways.
That was no different this past Wednesday when the Islanders Children’s Foundation joined forces with the nonprofit organization Operation Shower to host a baby shower for 25 military moms-to-be at UBS Arena.
Ann Rina, Executive Director, Community Relations, New York Islanders
“Our military members give so much for our country,” said Ann Rina, the Islanders’ Executive Director of Community Relations. “The least we could do is show our appreciation for all the hard work and sacrifice they do and give us every day.”
The event, with support from Ryan, LLC, the official tax advisory partner of the Islanders, provided a day to remember for the expectant moms who are active-duty service members or the spouses or partners of deployed members of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New York National Guard and the U.S. Coast Guard.
“The shower gave these family members an opportunity to come together, share their experiences and create friendships,” said Rina.
The hockey-themed baby shower featured Operation Shower’s signature “Showers in a Box” filled with high-quality products for mothers and babies donated by the Islanders. The Islanders Wives Group was on hand as well as the Islanders’ mascot Sparky and Islanders in-game hosts Sofia Davis and Andrew Sykora who served as emcees. There was a catered lunch as well as raffles and prizes
A fun day was had by all.
“From the time everybody walked in the building, you could tell they were already interacting with each other and they shared a common bond,” said Rina. “From the beginning, they were eager to meet with each other, they were going to sit down with each other, and ultimately, share stories with each other.”
The Islanders Children’s Foundation is dedicated to supporting local communities now and in the future. Since its inception in 2003, the ICF has raised more than $22 million through various events and initiatives.
Operation Shower is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to celebrating and honoring military families by providing joyful baby showers for military moms-to-be. For more information, visit www.operationshower.org.