Local Photographer Plans Fundraiser to Honor Brother’s Memory

Cape May County native Nichole Thompson has a special way of honoring her brother’s memory in October, his birthday month.

Thompson lost her brother, Stephen who was in recovery for alcohol, in 2019. She still celebrates him when October comes around by performing Random Acts of Kindness -- something she likes to call #RAKforStephen.

This year, Thompson will extend the kindness to Cape Assist, a substance misuse prevention and treatment agency in Wildwood that serves all of Cape May County.

Thompson, a professional photographer, will take #RAKforStephen to another level by hosting mini photo session fundraisers. She set a goal of raising $10,000, and will donate all proceeds from the sessions to Cape Assist.

“Addiction stole so many precious memories with my brother; moments I will never get back,” said Thompson. “For years, I have tried to think of a way to help others affected by addiction but didn’t know how. When my brother was taken from us, it became a mission. When I started photography, I wanted to keep memories alive for people forever, memories I wish I had with my brother. This felt like the perfect way to give people something I wish I had while trying to help and raise awareness for the substance abuse community at the same time. It’s been very healing and amazing to receive so much support for something so important to me.”

The gesture is very welcome for Cape Assist, which had to cancel several fundraisers because of COVID restrictions. The reason behind Thompson’s donation also is appreciated.

“Cape Assist is extremely honored to be included in this fundraiser,” said Executive Director Katie Faldetta. “We’re in awe of Nichole’s passion for this community and personal mission to make the world a kinder place.”

Thompson originally launched her #RAKforStephen mission with small acts such as paying for a stranger’s coffee or placing flowers on cars. Seeking a way to have a greater impact, she developed the idea for the #RAKforStephen Mini Marathon photo fundraiser.

The Mini Marathon will be held on Saturday, Oct. 2, and Sunday, Oct. 3, from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. at Littleworth Tree Farm in Woodbine. For a $100 donation, participants will receive a 20-minute mini session and 10-15 images. Contributors can choose from four photographers and multiple background options. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, Thompson will accommodate alternate dates.

Thompson partnered with vendors also touched by addiction, including Cedar & Sage Rentals, Sign Me Pretty, Salty Rose Floral, and fellow photographers Michael Louis Media, Elizebeth Unruh Studios, and Leslie Claire Photography.

To book a Mini Marathon photo session or to make a direct donation to Cape Assist, visit: https://linktr.ee/nicholethompsonphotography. For the latest information on the fundraiser, including the amount raised to date, check out Thompson’s Instagram (handle: @nicholethompsonphotography), or visit her website: https://www.nicholethompsonphotography.com.