Mothers Matter-Lauren Rose Albert Foundation to host seventh annual 5K and Walk to benefit women and mothers in need
Lauren Rose Albert was killed in a car accident on Feb. 18, 1999, when she was the passenger in a car that fell down a mountainside in Morocco. Her mother Susan Rose described her as a leader, someone who was looked up to with admirable integrity. In her honor, Rose, alongside friends, family and members of the community, established the Mothers Matter — Lauren Rose Albert Foundation, a Washington Township nonprofit serving women in areas of unmet needs through Albert’s legacy of character, dignity and morality.
“Through her everyday dealings or in her work, she’d always do the right thing,” Rose said. “For Lauren, there were no shades of gray, it was right or wrong, and you did the right thing.”
Rose said it all began in 2001 when state Sen. James Beach jumpstarted a group, comprised of of religious leaders, social service workers, community members and friends, to determine how to uphold and cherish the memory of Albert. It was then the concept of gift baskets for women and mothers in need arose, a program that has provided them with beauty and health-care products every Mother’s Day ever since.
“We want to help women in areas where there isn’t really any other help, so we can do the most good with our resources and truly make a difference,” Rose said.
What began as 265 baskets 16 years ago, delivered to three day-care centers and two women’s shelters, grew and transformed to approximately 2,800 gift bags in 2010, which led to the success of more than 4,500 gift bags per year presently, distributed to numerous cancer centers, day-care facilities, shelters and more, on Mother’s Day and beyond.
Throughout the foundation’s 16 years, Rose said, there have been more than 40,000 gift bags donated to women and families in need.
“We began to live our dream, which was doing this year-round,” Rose said.
“This is our happy place,” Mothers Matter Committee Chairperson Betty Bartkovsky said. “When you’re here, you forget about everything.”
According to Rose, in addition to Mother’s Day, Mothers Matter has annual commitments to Fox Chase Cancer Center, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Inspira and Virtua cancer programs, as well as three family rooms at the Ronald McDonald House.
“We wanted to do something that brightens their day, to show somebody cares, but it’s all done with respect,” Rose said. “The recipient retains their dignity no matter their circumstances.”
Besides gift bags, Mothers Matter has helped provide financial support to head-of-household women and mothers returning to school and in need of textbooks through a book scholarship fund, which was operational from 2003 to 2013, as well as provides funding for women who are taking the GED test. As well, the Suited for Work program provides gently used outfits and clothing for women who may be going back to work or facing financial instability. In 2007, the foundation created the emergency grant program for women and families who find themselves in a critical need of funds, partnering with social service agencies who submit the application, and can typically provide the money within 24 hours, Rose said.
“We can do what governments can’t do,” Rose said. “It’s been a miracle.”
On Oct. 15, Mothers Matter will host its seventh annual 5K Run and Walk in Washington Lake Park at 9 a.m., with proceeds supporting the foundation’s efforts to provide women and mothers the necessities they need but cannot afford. Featuring a USATF certified course with chip timing for serious runners, and a scenic leisurely walk for non-runners, the event offers opportunities for everyone. Awards will be presented to the first male and female finishers, as well as top three in all age groups.
Rose said the event has become more of a “family fun day,” with face painting, live music from DJ T1D and light refreshments. New this year, attendees will have the chance to win donated, handmade gift baskets through raffle sales, as well as commemorate the event with pictures from a photo booth. To kick-off the event, the Gloucester County Police Academy recruits will join the Washington Township Police Department Color Guard for a flag ceremony, with the national anthem sung by Washington Township High School senior Alexa Liss.
“We put all of our heart and soul into this,” Rose said. “It gives us pretty much enough to cover what we need for the year and it’s a big party in the park.”
To preregister for the event, held rain or shine, visit www.runsignup.com by Oct. 12 and pay $25 for individuals and $90 for families up to five people. Race day registration will begin at 7:30 a.m. for individuals in the amount of $30. Family registration fees are not available on the day of the race.
For more information on the foundation, or the 5K and Walk, visit www.laurenslegacy.org.
