Did someone say school’s out? This year marks our THIRD Annual End of the School Year Celebration and we couldn’t be more thrilled with the turnout! Many helping hands came together to ensure the success of this event. We couldn’t have done it without the help of our wonderful community, and are always so happy to see our Cape May crew come together.

Three years ago, our first event took place in the Lafayette Street Gazebo with make-your-own sundaes and hamburgers. Keith and Cathy Lafferty brought a grill from their own back yard to make the whole thing possible!

This year, we celebrate not only the wonderful families and children of the Cape May Housing Authority, but the entire community of support that has grown up around them. We had board members going the distance with everything from organizing to bringing food, outside vendors like Mr. Softee providing extra goodies, Russ Rents inflatables, the Cape May Police Department, and Tom Roth all contributing in spectacular ways. We cannot say thank you enough!

Summer Fun Activities

Throughout the day, there certainly wasn’t a shortage of things to do. This year, the Cape May Fire Department joined the festivities and brought in the “cool” factor – spraying down the kids with a fire-fighting hose. They got to run around and enjoy a break from the heat. A lucky few even got to spray the hose! It will certainly be another forever memory for them.

Our friends at the Cape May Police Department, including Chief Fashaw and many others, joined us for another year of celebrating summer. We always enjoy seeing the officers playing football, corn hole, or Frisbee with the kids and having a great time together.

We’d also like to say a special thank you to Tom Roth and Cape Island Bikes. At this event, and many others, Tom is always particularly generous with donating bike helmet, Surrey rides, and bike donations. His impact on the Cape May community is tremendous! Every child grows up dreaming of riding a bike. Tom and Cape Island Bikes help those dreams come true!

If all of this wasn’t enough, we also had a jewelry-making table this year. Peggy McCann of Big Brothers/Big Sisters contributed an energetic air of creativity and fun. The table was a massive hit with the children! She also distributed information about the program and spoke to a few moms who are currently filling out applications.

Community and Growth

While the list of people to say thanks to is massive, we’d like to continue with Mayor Mullock, Councilwoman Baldwin, City Manager Belasco, Housing Authority Board Member Laura Nushele, volunteer Lisa Becker, and tutors Aimee Miller, Joy Serena, Sue Currie and Sue Crean for taking the time to show their support for the kids. Their participation is key to helping grow our organization and we always appreciate their time.

And of course, thanks to our team at Cape May Cares working behind the scenes to make sure all of our events run smoothly. Each and every activity that brings a smile to our community member is a success. We look forward to the many events that will take place in the future!

What’s Next?

With all that being said, summer is only just beginning! We have many events planned for the next few months, from trips to The Nature Center to babysitting classes. Be sure to check out our calendar here for upcoming events.