Smilestones
Three generations enjoy Shop-A-Holics together. From left: Bernadette McCarthy, Brendan McCarthy, Joe Watson, Debi Watson, Elaine Watson, and Lindsey Watson.
SIP, SHOP, REPEAT AT SHOP-A-HOLICS
The annual Shop-A-Holics event returned March 5-7, bringing shoppers together in Avalon for a lively weekend at The Princeton Bar & Grill and The Sea Grill. The three-day pop-up attracted visitors eager to enjoy exclusive, event-only deals from local stores and boutiques while indulging in food and drinks between shopping breaks.
Following a particularly cold winter, the event offered an opportunity for “retail therapy” on Seven Mile Beach and a chance to kick off the transition into a new season. Vendors offered high-end jewelry, chic wardrobe staples, shoes for all seasons, home decor pieces, bags, accessories, and much more. The event had broad appeal, with attendees spanning multiple generations, including families shopping together.
The event supported local causes. Donations were collected at the door to benefit Friend In Need, Starfish Equine Rescue, and the Cape May County Animal Shelter.
Kindergarten students with Cooper University Hospital Cape Regional staff and volunteers at the “Teddy Goes to Cape” program.
‘TEDDY GOES TO COOPER’ EXPANDS TO THE SHORE
Cooper University Health Care is bringing a playful, hands-on approach to helping children feel at ease in medical settings, expanding their “Teddy Goes to Cooper” program to the shore. On March 17, Cooper’s Cape Regional branch hosted 45 kindergarten students from Glenwood Avenue Elementary School in Wildwood for the debut of “Teddy Goes to Cape.” The program offers an approachable learning experience through interactive play.
Each student received a Cooper Foundation bag complete with a teddy bear, coloring page, sunglasses, and registration sheet for triage. They rotated through various stations featuring different areas of healthcare and “treated” their teddy bears. There was even a special teddy “X-ray” experience and students got to tour a Cooper ambulance while learning about emergency response.
“When children can explore a hospital in a playful, hands-on way, it helps remove fear and replaces it with curiosity and confidence,” said Max Kursh, administrative director, Community and Population Health at Cooper.
Supported by The Cooper Foundation, Cooper’s Community and Population Health and Community Events teams in addition to community donors, the free program combines education and play while promoting wellness and helping children feel confident and safe when visiting doctors and hospitals.