Walking a mile in mom’s shoes

It turned out to be a beautiful Saturday morning on the Long Beach boardwalk for the National Association of Mothers’ Centers. The not-for-profit organization, now in its 35th year, hosted the “Mile for Mothers” walk, held on May 1, a

week before Mother’s Day.

Starting at Riverside Boulevard, more than 300 participants showed their support for the program and walked to the theme “Walk a Mile in Mom’s Shoes.” A wall was created that displayed shoes showing the importance of motherhood and honoring the memory of mothers, all evoking the theme of the walk.

The family-oriented event also offered a festive atmosphere with tables of craft activities for children such as shell painting. In addition, there was a contest for the most creative interpretation of the theme. Kate Ferrante of Long Beach won the first prize gift certificate for donning a brimmed sun hat with some of her mother’s shoe’s attached to the hat, in remembrance of her.

NAMC, which aids in improving the lives of mothers and their families, hopes to achieve their advocated goals with the $20,000 they raised. The funds will contribute to resources for issues that included education, early care, postpartum depression and careers, all affecting mothers in need.

Special events coordinator Ellen T. Kramer viewed the walk to be a success.

“There was a great reaction to the City by the Sea and the beauty of what we have here,” Kramer said. “The level of awareness shown was incredible. The many hats we wear as mothers -- moms do so many different things -- to feel, recognize and honor it was truly accomplished.”

Comments about this story? JKellard@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 213.