Expecting mothers with military ties honored with baby shower at WM Phoenix Open
Jan 27, 2015, 9:03 PM | Updated: 9:15 pm
Scottsdale, Ariz. — It was a special luncheon for 30 expectant mothers Tuesday at the Waste Management Phoenix Open in Scottsdale.
The group “Operation Shower” hosted a baby shower for the moms-to-be who are either active military members or are married to one.
The event called “A Star Is Born” was held at Birdies for the Brave Patriots’ Outpost near the 18th hole. Birdies for the Brave is a national military outreach initiative that is supported by the PGA tour. Among those speaking at the event was Cindy McCain, the wife of U.S. Senator John McCain. ESPN personality Kenny Mayne helped give away the gifts, which included baby items and supplies, and each mom received a new mattress from R&S Mattress stores.
Operation Shower founder Leeann Morrisey told the mothers why the group sponsored the shower.
“It’s so that we can not only provide you with some wonderful items so that you can get started with your new baby, but also so that you can meet others in a similar situation,” she said.
Julia Lauren was one of the mothers at the shower. She is having her second child in May. Her husband, a member of the Army, is stationed in Arizona now, but it wasn’t that way the first time around.
“With my first child, my husband was deployed in Afghanistan,” Lauren said. “It was really hard to always find the strength and to be happy, and to appreciate, especially when he knew that there was something going on where he was at. I’m grateful that he’s not deployed currently, and that he’s here for this baby.”
Lauren said that she is grateful for all the gifts.
“It’s amazing what these ladies put together. There’s so much love in these packages, and how the decoration is set up with the food. I feel really blessed to be part of this,” she said.
