Be the reason for a smile: Donate to Gifts & Giggles today.

 

“These families don’t get baby showers.”

I will never forget these six words said to me by my friend, Charlene Mitchell, who works with families who reside in shelter residences in Brooklyn, New York. I remember how wonderful I felt at my baby shower and how great it was to receive so many essential baby items. Unfortunately, there are thousands of parents who are not able to have this experience.

Launched in 2016, Gifts & Giggles is Epiphany Blue’s charity initiative with a mission to create joyful beginnings for unhoused mothers and families by providing essential baby items and heartfelt celebrations. We strive to ensure that parents, regardless of their circumstances, can experience the warmth of a baby shower, complete with laughter, special gifts, and an experience they will cherish.

Our Gifts & Giggles baby shower provides a memorable experience for mothers residing in NYC shelters who are pregnant or have an infant, 0-6 months. With the support from our generous donors and sponsors, we aim to deliver not just gifts, but smiles, laughter, and a joyous beginning for each family.

– Tamekia Flowers-Ball

   Founder & CEO, Epiphany Blue

Our Why

Over the course of City Fiscal Year 2022, 102,656 different homeless adults and children slept in the New York City Department of Homeless Services (DHS) shelter system, of which 29,653 were homeless children.

In September 2023, there were 87,907 homeless people, including 31,510 homeless children, sleeping each night in New York City’s main municipal shelter system.

The number of homeless New Yorkers sleeping each night in municipal shelters is now 68 percent higher than it was 10 years ago.

Each night thousands of unsheltered homeless people sleep on New York City streets, in the subway system, and in other public spaces. There is no accurate measurement of New York City’s unsheltered homeless population, and recent City surveys significantly underestimate the number of unsheltered homeless New Yorkers, including children.

Event Information

Epiphany Blue’s Gifts & Giggles 2024 Baby Shower will be held on June 1, 2024, 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. in New York City. Fifteen mothers/families will be served. The baby shower highlights will include:

A catered meal provided by one of New York City’s finest caterers.

A special cake for the mommies and mommies-to-be.

Baby Shower games with prizes.

A free raffle for big-ticket baby items (strollers, high chairs, bassinet, etc.).

Mommies/families will engage in a Paint & Motivate experience hosted by Gifts & Giggles partner Redz Inc. They will create their baby’s first piece of art while receiving uplifting messages from Redz, Inc. President, Claudine Cox.

A Bundle of Bliss Baby Essentials Bag curated for each mother/family.

In addition to baby items, we are seeking the following sponsorships for Gifts & Giggles:

• Private mini-bus transportation for mommies/families (one bus)
• Caterer to provide brunch/lunch cuisine
• Bakery to provide the Gifts & Giggles Baby Shower cake
• Photographer and Videographer to create lasting memories
• Décor

The last day to make a donation for the Wish List is May 20, 2024. 

Host Committee:

Charlene Mitchell, NYC Public Schools; Students in Temporary Housing

Claudine Cox, Redz, Inc.

Sandi Webster and the Women Presidents Organization NY-3 Chapter

Ebony David, Quest Diagnostics

Phoebe Williams, Year Up

Laci Chisholm, Fit4Dance

Latoya Stone, Real Wellness

Tanisha Tate, Tate Logistics Group

***More to be announced!***

To inquire about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Tamekia Flowers-Ball at giftsandgiggles@epiphanyblue.com.

The success of Gifts & Giggles depends on the generosity of individual contributors and corporate sponsors who provide financial and in-kind support. We invite you to view and purchase items from our Shower Contribution Wish List for the mothers.