Founded in 2003, the Heartworks Foundation started with women coming together in a living room to explore ways that they could each share their own talents, interests, strengths, and resources to help others experiencing an acute illness, injury, or grief. Four years later, Heartworks formally became a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and has since been able to show love and support to well over 1,400 individuals and families. Their mission: To maintain the palpable kindness and connection that our country experienced following the tragic terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
In the words of founder, Megan McDowell, “We all experience loss and struggle in this lifetime, most people who donate to Heartworks do so because they know the power of receiving during these times and want others to be able to have an expense or helpful service covered.”
The Heartworks House on Morristown Ave. in Basking Ridge, where 5 meetings a year are held, all open to the public, is where women gather to pray for and support families living through their first year of grief or illness. Heartworks offers financial support in the form of checks, meals, cleaning services, lawn maintenance, or any specifics that could possibly make that year easier in any way. It offers ways for people to reach out to those they know who are living with grief and illness.
Heartworks also hosts Local Veterans Post 7858 for their monthly meetings. “Heartworkers” serve the men catered food, ensuring them that their sacrifices have not been forgotten. This monthly gesture is a way to keep in the forefront of the foundation’s mind that it is not everywhere in the world that women can gather freely together, without the fear of persecution, and to honor those who fought for this freedom.
Heartworks simply could not continue to have an impact on our community without the support from donors. Donations (big and small) are all equally important and always appreciated.
The annual fundraising event, “An Evening at the Cider Mill”, will be held at the Burnt Mills Cider Mill in Bedminster, NJ, on Friday, September 15, 2023, from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. This is an incredibly fun, informal evening with music and hard cider, celebrating a powerful mission. Tickets are just $50 to ensure that anybody who wants to attend can afford to attend.
Tickets and Sponsorship Opportunities can be reserved on the Heartworks website at www.njheartworks.org. Please also visit the website to refer any local family living through the first 14 months of grief, injury, or illness.
