Dear Friends of Mary's Place by the Sea,
COMMUNITY- Reflecting back to the year 2013, tears are streaming... we had reopened Mary's Place by the Sea at 15 Broadway after Super Storm Sandy, we celebrated our 2nd Annual Walk-a-thon and raised $100,000, and we sat helplessly on the side as two very special women lost their battle with cancer; my sister in-law, Betty Romano Gannon and former guest Thelma Sessions. Betty's legacy lives on in our home today as room #8 is sponsored by our family. When I pass by her room, or show it to someone on a tour, I always say a prayer to her and ask her to continue to bless our home. I believe she hears those prayers.
Thelma left her indelible mark on our mission as someone with grace and dignity. She spoke with a slow, deliberate southern draw that was poetic and instantly made you slow down and smile as you knew she was about to say something wise.
We believe 2013 was a year when we realized that we were creating a community and there was no turning back. A community that needed us as much as we needed them. We were gifted moments that helped shape our mission to what it is today...Thank you to ALL of you who have helped us grow both as an organization and as individuals. We are forever grateful!
Much LOVE and GRATITUDE,
Michele and Maria
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