CG Mothers’ Group Helps Transport Less Fortunate to Witness Big Day

CAPE MAY – There are a few life-changing events one experiences and graduating from boot camp at the Coast Guard Training Center is one of them. That’s according to a group of mothers whose mission it is to help other mothers who can’t afford the trip to attend their child’s graduation.
According to Tina Chan, treasurer of the group called U.S. Coast Guard Mom in Need Fund, mothers of recruits banded together in 2011 on a Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/ourmominneed, for support and to share experiences while their sons and daughters went through the rigors of boot camp.
From there, the group took off to fund graduation trips for mothers to provide a network of support across the country.
“We became close online,” the mother of five who lives in Tampa, Fla., said. “As we shared experiences and stories, we found out that one of the moms couldn’t afford to attend her child’s graduation from boot camp. A few of us pitched in, and that started it.
“No mom should miss this life-changing event,” Chan added, “and every recruit deserves to have their mom there.”
Chan’s son is in his sixth year with the Coast Guard, having just returned from 18 months in the Persian Gulf.
Since then 55 mothers have been afforded the opportunity to see their child graduate from the training center because of the organization. “About two years ago, two local hotels in Wildwood offered to partner with us and allow these moms to stay at their hotels free of charge,” Chan said. “It has been an absolute pleasure to deal with such selfless people that are always willing to help us so no mom misses this pivotal moment in their child’s life.”
Ginny Nichols, owner of the Sea Gull Motel, is one of the partners who provides a room for a night or two. “I’m involved with the Coast Guard Auxiliary and part of our role is to do some volunteer work,” she said. “I can do this, especially in the shoulder seasons to help keep our motel occupied.”
Nichols’ family has owned the motel since 1964. “I’m glad to do whatever I can to help,” she said. “I remember one single mom from Hawaii who came to see her daughter graduate. It was such a heart-warming occasion to be able to help out.”
Roger Thompson, operations manager for Quebec by the Sea, is the other partner who works with the Moms Group.
“She (Tina) asked for help and I spoke with my boss and, of course, we can do this. It’s the least we can do for the military by donating a room for a night.” The Quebec by the Sea is open year-round.
The Moms Group became a non-profit organization in 2014. It sells bracelets and key chains on its website www.uscgminf.com to help fund travel costs. They also hold an annual online auction where, last year, they raised $12,000.
“Our biggest issue is finding moms,” Chan noted. “Because we have moms all over the country, we have an ambassador program in many areas to help reach out to other moms who have a child in boot camp or in the Coast Guard. If a mom shares that their child is enroute to their orders and needs a place to stay, another mom in that area will go out and help. We take care of our families.”
If a mother is in need of financial assistance to attend a graduation ceremony, there is a form on the website where they provide information about their situation, according to Chan.
A small committee of mothers reviews the application. “If someone needs gas money or bus fare, we will provide it,” she added. “If they need airfare, we will provide it.”
Mothers who accept the help are asked to share their experience and photos on the group’s Facebook page.
“All the money we raise goes to help other moms,” Chan said. “Many of us have full-time jobs and this is something we do in our spare time. If someone wants to help us, they can donate to our organization or buy our bracelets or key chains. 
“You’re never going to meet a better group of women who care,” she added about the group, which numbers about 1,500.
To contact Karen Knight, email kknight@cmcherald.com.