Casagrande's Baby Shower Benefits Birthright

A baby shower to benefit Birthright of Monmouth County was held for Assemblywoman Caroline Casagrande on Monday at in Freehold.

Casagrande, who is expecting her second child, said a friend suggested the idea of a shower to benefit pregnant women and new mothers.

“She came to me and said there is a need in the community for supplies for women and children,” Casagrande said. She chose Birthright as the beneficiary for the event. “Birthright is the perfect fit. They are a non-political, non-judgmental organization."

Birthright is an all-volunteer organization that offers assistance to mothers in need during pregnancy and the first year of their babies’ lives. It provides counseling, referrals for  health care and housing, clothing, and other supplies.

“Thanks to many good volunteers and lovely gifts, we can give moms a ‘shower in a basket,'” said Anne Braun, a volunteer with Freehold Birthright.

Legislators sponsoring the event recognized the need for family assistance. “These babies are already here. The presents go to moms who need them,” Freehold Township Committeewoman Barbara McMorrow said. “It’s a tough economy. It’s a terribly tough economy. Every little bit helps.”

Freehold Birthright had over 500 calls and 500 visits to the office in 2010, according to Volunteer Director Eileen Cassidy.

Friends and acquaintances of Casagrande came to support her efforts, including Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno and state Sen. Jennifer Beck.

“As busy as we are, we sometimes forget that the birth of a child can be very stressful,” Beck said. “It’s not automatic for all people to have food and clothing to care for a child. Caroline appreciates her fortune.”

Use of Courtyard on Main's banquet facility was donated by owner Anthony Pane. A group of volunteers set-up and decorated for the shower.

According to Casagrande’s Chief of Staff Annmarie Howley, the event raised almost 40 cases of diapers, 40 to 50 infant outfits, 120 to 130 gifts, baby wipes and assorted layette items. Donations from the event went to Birthright’s locations in Freehold and Red Bank. Formula will be donated to Monmouth and Ocean county food banks, Howley said.

“Usually things like this happen around the holidays because we’re thinking about it,” McMorrow said. “My hope is that, after this evening, people will be more cognizant of the need and help out on their own."

Casagrande acknowledged her appreciation of the donators’ support. “Thank you for these beautiful gifts, for these beautiful babies,” she said.

Additional co-sponsors of the shower included Assemblywoman Mary Pat Angelini, Assemblywoman Amy Handlin, Monmouth County Clerk Claire French, Freeholder Lillian Burry, Councilwoman Carol Mazzola, State Committeewoman Christine Hanlon, and Mayor Anna Little.