By providing much-needed pampering, the organizers of "Single Mothers Appreciation Day" hope to ease the strain for Mom - if only for a few hours.
By JEAN JOHNSON
Published May 10, 2003
SPRING HILL -- Connie Roberts wants to get a Mother's Day message to single mothers: God cares for them, and they are not alone.
That is the most important thing she wanted to communicate last year, she said, when she offered her first "Single Mothers Appreciation Day." And she hopes to bring together even more single parents today for the second such event at DaySpring Presbyterian Church.
Roberts recalls the times when she and other single-mother friends would do things for each other, including babysitting and grocery shopping.
"What's needed here is that support system in place," she said.
The 40-year-old mother of a 4-year-old and a 16-year-old said she had a calling to do this and wanted to give single moms hope and support, having been a single mother herself for 10 years.
She discussed the idea with the Rev. Scott Simmons, pastor at DaySpring, who saw the event as an opportunity to reach out to the community.
"Last year's event went well," Roberts said. "We had about 15 mothers and 25 children, and everyone really enjoyed themselves. We pampered them completely. They didn't even have to get up to get their meal; we served them. We also had their cars washed, and they enjoyed those little things."
Although Erin Buonagura is a single parent, she has the help of an extended family: her parents and grandparents. She assisted with last year's event and said she enjoyed it.
A massage therapist, Buonagura, 29, gave the mothers chair massages and was a speaker. She talked about having her own business and being a single mother.
Buonagura said her 6-year-old daughter "loved it" and made gifts for her mother and grandmother.
The toughest thing about being a single parents, she said, is "not being able to devote as much quality time to my daughter as I would like, although having parents and grandparents (here) is a big help."
Church involvement is an important part of life for Buonagura and her daughter.
A member of Spring Hill Baptist Church, Buonagura attends regularly each Wednesday and Sunday, sings in the choir and performed with the Easter ensemble. Her daughter, Ryan, is involved in a biblical focus activity group where children 3 years old to sixth grade play games and memorize Scriptures.
Buonagura, who moved to Spring Hill 101/2 years ago, was impressed with the casual, comfortable environment of last year's single-mothers event and has formed friendships with other mothers she met.
Darlene Reid is a children's minister at DaySpring. She works with children's worship, is the vacation Bible school director and is involved in other children's activities.
During today's event, Reid will work with the youngsters on crafts, Mother's Day cards and other activities. She also will help Roberts with lunch, massages, goodie bags and drawings. Her husband, Joe, will help with the carwash.
The 31-year-old married mother of a 6-year-old son said she and Roberts work together.
"She helps me with kids, and I help her with single moms," Reid said. "I am very much looking forward to this year and hope we will continue (each year). I also hope to get the youth into it."
Simmons also is excited about today's event.
"We want to let these mothers know they're welcome at DaySpring and understand it's difficult and we're there for them and the Lord and others are there for them," Simmons said.
Simmons, 49, who has been pastor at DaySpring for almost nine years, said other members of the congregation also volunteer their time for various behind-the-scenes necessities. Simmons' involvement will include a welcome to the parents and a devotion prayer.
"Last year was very successful," he said, "and I'm looking forward to another successful day."
In addition to a complimentary lunch and child care, there will be chair massages, beauty and cooking tips, a carwash and drawings. Goodie bags will include craft items, hair barrettes and bookmarks for the children. Mothers will receive Health Department information on checkups, immunizations, breast cancer and other women's health issues.
There will be two speakers: one from the Pampered Chef, who will discuss her business and how a single mother can benefit from it; another will talk about faith and asking for God's help.
A Mary Kay representative will offer beauty tips. Prizes for the winners of the drawings will include baskets of beauty products, free oil changes and free child care.
"So many women don't have family and other kinds of support, and at the end of the day they're alone," Roberts said. "I want them to know there is someone who cares."
If you go
WHAT: Single Mothers Appreciation Day
WHEN: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. today
WHERE: DaySpring Presbyterian Church, 6000 Mariner Blvd., Spring Hill (across from Spring Hill Elementary School)
