Showing They Care: Businesses and Organizations Step Up to Help Some, Thank Others
Carolyn Avellino of Brandywine Branch Distillers (center) delivers buckets of hand sanitizer to Avalon’s Police Sgt. Steve Bowers, EMS Chief Kevin Scarpa, Ed Guischard and Brianna Previtti.
To say that COVID-19 has been devastating to our country and the rest of the world is an understatement. The past few months have been difficult to navigate for everyone, but most especially for the health-care workers and first responders who risk their lives every day to save ours.
While it would be easy to focus on the negative effects of this awful virus, we’d rather focus on the positive things we have seen and heard, reminders that in the toughest of times there is always someone wanting to help. Whether it was dinner for the police department, masks to protect our health-care workers, or even dressing up as the Easter Bunny so the kids didn’t miss the holiday, there are so many people in the community who did something to show they care and we can’t wait to share their stories with you.
Friend In Need, a local nonprofit organization partnered with a number of community organizations to support friends in need during COVID-19. Funds were donated to the Cape May County Family Fun Facebook group in a two-part campaign to assist first responders and local businesses. The donations made by Friend In Need were used to purchase gift cards to local restaurants for county first responders as well as families participating in the activities provided by the group.
The group was organized by past beneficiary Jamie Burrows, who posts daily updates for children and adults to enjoy while quarantining. Activities include local scavenger hunts, LEGO creations, fitness instruction, cooking classes and more. The winners of each activity wins one of the many gift cards purchased from local restaurants.
In addition to the two-part support of this group, Friend In Need also partnered with members of the Cape May County Chamber of Commerce to fund the purchase of personal protection equipment (PPE) for workers at Cape Regional Medical Center. This movement was organized by Chamber member Dave Dempsey of High Exposure Aerial Advertising.
“Friend In Need has always been here to assist with local friends and families in need, and Jamie’s idea to create this page and support first responders, local restaurants and retailers and the many families dealing with this ‘new normal’ seemed like a great opportunity,” says Patrice Davis, the Friend In Need president. “Jamie Burrows and Dave Dempsey had great ideas, and I am sure many will follow from our community as we continue to learn to deal with this.”
At the Yacht Club of Stone Harbor, past Commodore Dr. Timothy Clay and members of the YCSH Community Outreach Committee have been keeping active during COVID-19. After announcing a virtual Easter parade, members were encouraged to contribute donations to the club in order for the Easter Bunny and friends to stop by their house for a “social distancing” hello on Easter morning. The parade raised more than $1,500 and is continuing to collect donations. To date, the committee has been able to donate $500 to The Branches in Rio Grande and $750 to Family Promise, both of which serve the homeless. In addition, on May 13 the committee personally delivered meals to the night shift at Cape Regional Medical Center.
“Two years ago as Commodore of the YCSH, I felt moved to form a YCSH Community Outreach Committee,” Clay says. “The needs of many local residents are so great, and our members have incredibly embraced and supported our mission. My heart is filled with gratitude and I am truly humbled by the amazing support of time, talent and treasure our members have given.”
The Carefree Boat Club of South Jersey offers the opportunity for anyone to enjoy the boat experience without having to actually own a boat. The club ran a campaign, #WELOVEOURLOCALS, to honor the sacrifices of frontline workers and pay special recognition to those who impact the community in a positive way. People were asked to email their nomination for a first responder or health-care worker to win a free, one-year membership to the boat club, which includes unlimited access to luxury boats and on-the-water training.
“We are grateful for the selfless service of our local first responders and health-care workers,” says Sean McNulty, the club’s membership director. “Their sacrifices help keep all we love about the New Jersey Shore safe and healthy for our families, neighbors, and colleagues.”
Brandywine Branch Distillers is located in Chester County, Pennsylvania, but the owners, Don and Carolyn Avellino, have been coming to Avalon for years. They donated gallons of hand sanitizer to the Avalon Police and EMS departments. The Avellinos began making the sanitizer as a public service and wanted to help out their favorite beach town: “We were happy to help the first responders. Avalon has a very special place in our hearts and we wanted to extend our efforts of donating hand sanitizer not only in PA but in Avalon as well.”
Spa Avalon owner Carly Caprioni and her daughter Leslie made a special trip to personally donate gloves and supplies to their “hometown heroes” – mail carrier John Yoast, Samantha Yoast-Coleman and the rest of the team at the Avalon Post Office. They also donated gloves and masks to Rainbow Pediatrics, where Carly’s children go to the doctor.
“We wanted to help those in need of supplies like masks and gloves. They are hard to get and I have the ability to order them through the Spa,” says Caprioni.
The American Legion also stepped up in a big way to help. On April 1, Post 331 presented a $2,000 check to Cape Regional to be used to purchase PPE for its workers. The Legion also offered free American flags for people to put on their lawns, signifying “America strong.” The flags were donated by a Stone Harbor family that wished to remain anonymous.
“Our trustee Jon Ready suggested that we dedicate a portion to the frontline medical personnel at Cape May Regional Hospital,” Commander Tom McCullough says. “American Legion Post 331 is quite proud to take the lead in giving back to frontline health-care workers and being well aware of what it takes to put one’s life on the line for this great nation, the United States of America.”
While they are getting ready to open for the summer season, The Reeds at Shelter Haven has been donating lunch to the Stone Harbor Fire Department for the fire and EMS crews. “We have been delivering pizzas from Stone Harbor Pizza Pub to local organizations to do our part and show our appreciation to those in the community that are working so hard to protect us and keep us safe,” says Ron Gorodesky, Managing Partner of the Reeds.
Avalon Auto Works is supplying free oil changes to first responders including active military, firefighters, police and frontline hospital workers. They were also giving away $500 gift cards at random to first responders who came in. Joe and Jen Ocello are a local couple who have been operating this business for 12 years. They had more than 50 people come in over the last three weeks.
This is our chance to say thank you to all of you for reminding us how lucky we are to live here.
