Event to begin at 10 a.m. at Lee Wetherington Boys and Girls Club on Fruitville Road
The upcoming Mother’s Day weekend will feature the 25th Annual Sarasota Community Baby Shower, a free event held by the Healthy Start Coalition of Sarasota County in partnership with the Kiwanis Club of Sarasota, the nonprofits have announced.
On Saturday, May 11, from 10 a.m. to noon, all local pregnant women and new families with infants up to the age of 1 “(regardless of income or insurance status) are invited to this fun and FREE event,” which will be held at the Lee Wetherington Boys and Girls Club, located at 3100 Fruitville Road in Sarasota, the Healthy Start Coalition emphasizes in a news release.
“This event is held annually to provide education, support, and helpful gifts to pregnant women and new families,” the release explains. “Exhibitors from more than 35 local organizations will be on hand with information and giveaways for attendees,” the release continues. “Dozens of raffle and door prizes donated by exhibitors will be given away throughout the morning, and a Grand Prize Raffle at the end of the event will include items such as pack-and-plays, high-chairs, and strollers, donated by the Kiwanis Club of Sarasota and the Healthy Start Coalition,” the release adds.
Last year, more than 200 pregnant women and new families attended the event, the release notes.
“Guests will enjoy fresh smoothies from the Junior League’s Kids in the Kitchen initiative, lactation support cookies donated by Sift Bakery, and baby shower cake from Publix. A baby-wearing fitness demonstration will be provided by Mama’s Got Groove, free vision and diabetes screenings will be provided by the Sarasota Lion’s Club, and activities will be available for children, including a kid’s area sponsored by Children’s World of Sarasota,” the release points out.
Additionally, a “Diaper Derby” race will be held for crawling infants, with prizes for runners-up and the winner receiving a case of diapers, the release says.
Each of the first 200 attendees will receive a goodie bag that will include a free children’s book donated by Every Child Inc., the release adds.
“We know the first 1,000 days of a baby’s life, including the time spent in the mother’s womb, is so important to their lifelong health outcomes,” said Healthy Start Executive Director Shon Ewens in the release.