08/21/2025 “Successful Fundraiser for the Lily’s Hope Foundation” By Kaylee McGrath

On Thursday evening, August 14, 2025, I was delighted to have co-organized a gallery of my photography work at Black-Eyed Susan’s Flowers & Plants in Barnegat, NJ. The event was to raise money for the Lily’s Hope Foundation as their mission is very important to me… and that is premature babies, their families, and the unexpected urgent various needs due to a premature birth. The event had perfect timing because it was within just 2-weeks of a wonderful milestone for Lily’s Hope, as they reached sending packages to ALL 50 US States (Alaska was achieved at the end of July). The second reason is, celebrated next month in September is NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) Awareness Month as well as NICU Awareness Day on September 30^th.

Although the weather did not cooperate with us, the night was still a great success. Many caring guests donated directly to the foundation as well as purchased various selections of my photography that was on display, flower arrangements, and other items sold by Black-Eyed Susans. Both myself and Alyssa Gesek, the owner of Black-Eyed Susan’s donated 50% of our event proceeds to the foundation. A special thank you goes out to those individuals who could not attend the event and still purchased some of my canvases, metals, and matted prints prior to the gallery fundraiser event.

Between the joint efforts of myself, Alyssa Gesek, and Jennifer Driscoll (Founder and Executive Director of the Lily’s Hope Foundation) we will continue to plan and partner again as often as possible in the coming months and beyond. My parents and I are also hoping to help open more doors for the foundation within the many hospital systems in Central and South Jersey. My plan is to also volunteer my photography services to Lily’s Hope at their various events as much as possible in the future. 

So far, there has been over $700.00 raised from the August 14^th event. We are anticipating a few more direct donations. Additionally, there is interest of my canvas and metal prints from individuals still deciding on photo images, sizes, and material they want the images printed on. After their decisions are made, I will as well donate 50% of those proceeds to Lily’s Hope Foundation as the interest was generated from the planned event.