By Sandy Meyer
On Saturday, October 8 the seventh annual Day of Pampering for Moms-to-Be will take place at Ybor Square Church of Scientology. This annual event has helped countless expectant moms to prepare for motherhood. All of the moms-to-be are on public assistance in Hillsborough County and are in need of the basic necessities to care for their babies.
The day of pampering is the brainchild of Tampa resident Richedean Hills-Ackbar and is sponsored by the non-profit volunteer organization, Caregiver’s Helping Hand, Inc. The annual event has always taken place on a Friday but this year has been moved to a Saturday.
“We’re hoping to bring in more dads to the event and since most are at work on Fridays, we’ve decided to move it to a Saturday in the hopes more dads will be involved,” said Hills-Ackbar. She is hoping to increase the number of dads in attendance by at least 100 percent she said.
Last year 475 moms-to-be, 30 dads-to-be and 250 guests attended the day of pampering along with 40 vendors. This year Hills-Ackbar is expecting more than 500 moms-to-be. Attendees will have the opportunity to attend training classes for new parents, receive gifts, lunch and even free massages.
“A lot of these expectant moms won’t get a baby shower,” said Hills-Ackbar. “This is an opportunity for them to have a shower and get educated about parenting at the same time.”
In order to give these parents-to-be the best head start possible, Caregivers Helping Hand, Inc. is hoping to provide the essentials they will need to care for their child. To donate, volunteer or become a sponsor for this very special day, visit www.chhincvolunteers.org. Moms-to-be can register at Moms-to-be.eventbrite.com. Hills-Ackbar said they are still in need of a pediatric center sponsor to come out and speak to the expectant parents. For additional information, call 379-8966.
The shower takes place from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Ybor Square Church of Scientology, located at 1300 E. 8th St. in Tampa. Siblings and grandmothers are welcome.
