Baby gifts and colorful treats were spread across platters at UBS Arena in Elmont, where the afternoon centered on support for expectant mothers serving in the military and those in military families.
The Islanders Children's Foundation, a nonprofit founded in 2003 that supports youth programs statewide, transformed the gathering into a community-wide baby shower, complete with baby supplies, decorations and a room full of encouragement. Operating under the leadership of the Islanders organization, the foundation hosted the event to celebrate the mothers-to-be while connecting them with resources and a network of support.
The women and their families were showered with support inside a premium suite, highlighting the “premium” treatment the expectant mothers received on March 11. Many of the volunteers comprised New York Islanders’ wives and coaching staff, kindly lifting up spirits. Smiles and laughter ran throughout the room, creating a safe, comforting atmosphere.
Surrounded by baby gear, games and small surprises throughout the afternoon, the mothers were recognized not just for the new chapters in their lives, but also for the service and sacrifices made by them and their families.
The Islanders hosts the event annually partnership with Operation Shower, a foundation that prioritizes celebrating and honoring military families through baby showers. Since 2007, the operation has amassed nearly 10,000 showers nationwide.
Shannon Hogan, the host for New York Islanders’ telecasts on MSG Networks, complemented the event’s atmosphere, bringing her conversational wit and humor to the shower. She pointed out that this is her favorite event to take part in throughout the season, “because you guys deserve to be celebrated,” she told the shower-goers to jump start the party.
The mothers received a Sparky puppet, individually and delicately hand-crocheted by Teresa Nugent, who has frequently completed other crochet projects for Operation Shower. Sparky the Dragon is the Islanders’ mascot.
While the mothers-to-be unveiled their gift bags, mini-crocheted puppets and New York Islanders’ onesies popped up throughout the room, adding to the excitement of receiving surprises.
Schnequa Dzhurayer, of North Babylon, who’s expecting a baby boy with an April 20 due date, attended the shower with her daughter, Aliana, 4. They both showed up with coordinating and polished outfits. Dzhurayer said it has been “a long journey,” but she is finalizing her career in the military, hitting retirement next month just in time for her new arrival.
Throughout the afternoon, what began as games, where gifts were promised to one winner, turned into surprises for everybody. The mothers-to-be went home with new strollers, Diaper Genies, bottle washers, along with other goodies.
One of the games, a baby animal guessing game, had the mothers and families all hands on deck. A handful of volunteers poured into the room with boxes of Dr. Brown’s baby bottle cleaners, making everyone in the room a winner. It happened twice more, with the mothers and families being surprised as they received the generous gifts to continue or start the moments of motherhood.
Nancy Zheng, of North Bellmore, who attended the event, said she is new to the military, and with her spouse also in the military, it took some adjusting.
“I think we actually get a lot of support,” Zheng said of the baby shower’s turnout. “We are really appreciative.”
LeAnn Morrissey, Operation Shower founder and chief shower officer, said, “While active-duty service members face their own set of hardships abroad, their partner back home take on the invisible weight of running a household, managing finances and grappling with the mental health toll of separation.”
The event was a testament to the importance of supporting military families and expectant mothers, as the gathering honored the women with thoughtful details and careful planning, creating a warm and welcoming experience.
“We couldn’t be happier to welcome these new ‘rookies’ into the Islanders’ family,” Ann Rina, executive director of the Islanders Children’s Foundation and vice president of community relations, said.
At the end of the afternoon, Hogan reminded the women not to stress themselves –– volunteers moved throughout the suite helping carry and organize the new baby accessories before loading them into the expectant moms’ vehicles. The small gesture accentuated the event’s larger mission: serving as a support system for military families while giving the mothers an opportunity to connect with others who understand the unique challenges of military life.
