Happy Halloween!

Hi everyone!

Long time no see! As always, we’ve been super busy over here at NJ Sharing Network, and I have so much to tell you!

Time for a Photo-Op! Mr. Pumps and I recently had our photo taken outside of NJ Sharing Network. They came out so wonderful, we might use them on our wedding invitations!

First, our Annual Golf and Tennis Classic held at Baltusrol Golf Club was a huge success and, despite the rain, it was a beautiful day! I would like to send a special “Thank You” to all who participated, as well as to our sponsors. We couldn’t do it without you! Be sure to check out photos from the day on our Flicker Album.

Next on the agenda, I am SO excited to share with you some news about the Donate Life Rose Parade Float which will be a part of the 2014 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California. If you are unfamiliar with the Tournament of Roses Parade, since 2004, the Donate Life Rose Parade Float has served as a memorial to organ and tissue donors and a platform for donor families, living donors and transplant recipients to inspire the world to save and heal those in need through the gift of life. It really is such a spectacular tribute; I can’t think of a better way to honor all organ and tissue donors! At this year’s Parade, NJ Sharing Network Volunteer and Donor Wife, Pam Drozd, will be seen by millions of television viewers as she honors her husband’s final act of kindness – giving the gift of life. Pam’s husband, Mike, passed away in 2008, and became a tissue donor, helping 57 people. What a legacy!

Finally, Halloween is almost here! Are you dressing up and going trick-or-treating?! Mr. Pumps and I are going to stay in this year to give out healthy treats to our Trick-or-Treaters. As I always say, a healthy heart is a happy one :)

5 Tips for a Healthy Halloween:

1. Fill up on healthy foods before going trick-or-treating – the less hungry you are, the less snacking along the way!
2. Hand out low-sugar treats or toys instead of candy – some children prefer to take a small toy (consider pencils, erasers, stickers, tattoos, glow sticks). After all, the excitement is in collecting the treats, not necessarily in eating them!
3. Exercise while trick-or-treating: Walk from house to house instead of driving – but be careful! Always make sure you are with a parent or guardian before venturing out on your own.
4. Keep only a small bag of your favorite treats, and hide the rest in the freezer so it is out of sight, and out of mind!
5. Purchase Halloween candy the day of trick or treating to avoid temptation. Buy less than what you think you will need to avoid leftovers and purchase candies that are not your favorite.

If you follow these few steps you’ll be sure to have a happy and healthy Halloween! Ready… Set… BOO!
XOXO Until next time,

Ms. Pumps