Deb's Day- A family tradition turned into community support for moms and to honor our mom

For Debi. For love. For moms.

For the past five years, Deb’s Day has been a family tradition.

Every August, on my mom Debi’s birthday, my husband Steve, our two daughters, and I make bouquets and hand them out in the community.

It started after my mom passed away in 2021. We were surrounded by funeral flowers and didn't know what to do with them. So we made bouquets and gave them away. It became our way of celebrating her birthday while keeping her love moving forward.

This year, through The Nest, I wanted to take it one step further—with the help of our community.

And our community showed up.

52 people donated. 50 people sponsored bouquets. 11 local businesses donated experiences. Together, we raised $4,900 to support 14 local moms and their families, including a $500 contribution from The Nest.

Five moms will receive $250 in direct financial support. Eight will receive $100, along with a donated experience valued between $50 and $250.

On Saturday, August 22, my family will be on the lawn in Port Jefferson, handing out 50 bouquets in my mom’s memory.

My mom was a single mom. I watched her work hard, make things stretch, and carry a lot quietly. But what I remember most is how she made people feel. She made people feel welcome, loved, and cared for.

That is what I want Deb’s Day to continue giving to other moms.

A little breathing room. An experience with their kids. A beautiful bouquet. A reminder that their community sees them.

What began as our family’s way of celebrating my mom has become something bigger because people chose to show up for one another.

This year, Deb’s Day belongs to all of us.

Deb’s Day is sponsored by A Practice of Alicia Italiano, LCSW, my boutique therapy practice and team. We provide in-person therapy in East Setauket inside Revival Strength & Recovery and in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, as well as virtually throughout New York State.

On August 22, though, we'll be on the lawn with flowers.

If you're local, come see Deb’s Day in action.

Learn more about the project and the local businesses who helped make it possible at thenestli.com/debsday.

50 bouquets. 14 families. One community.

For Debi. For love. For moms. 💛