By Robin Rosenberg
Countless Spring-like sunny days, chirping birds, blooming flowers, families riding bikes, staying in bed until 10am.. Sounds lovely, right? It would be amazing, if only there weren’t a contagious virus wreaking havoc across the world. Mandatory quarantine days are long, isolating, surreal and filled with overwhelming fear and unknowns. Moreover, how do parents and caregivers make the best of this situation for children during the coming months? St. James resident Morgan Walker had a plan that would teach kids the importance of altruism, all while making memories together, framed and frozen in time for us to share with the world.
Several weeks ago Morgan Walker had contacted me to collaborate on the Front Porch Project. The initiative has become a National movement, as motivation to unite communities, despite being sequestered during the Covid-19 Pandemic. Professional photographers across the Country have donated their skillset, taking photos of families on front porches, while at a safe social distance. Families then pay it forward by donating to local hospitals, small businesses, rotary clubs, food banks etc.
Intrigued with its potential, we immediately started planning. We reached out to the acclaimed local photographer, Rob Cuni for his help. It was an easy sell to get Cuni on board.
First we set up a sign-up system for the free, socially-distant porch portrait. Next we set up access for families to donate to the Stony Brook Hospital COVID-19 crisis fund. Before we knew it, we were making it happen.
We didn’t anticipate that being apart could make us all feel so united. Seeing everyone at home, albeit through Cunis lens has been uplifting, inspiring and a surprisingly positive experience.
Thank you for your donations to Stony Brook Hospital! Morgan, Rob and I can’t wait to eat, drink, be merry and celebrate life on the other side. Until then, enjoy the gift of time.For more information or sign up for the Front Porch Project in St James Visit Wake Up Lake! on Facebook.
Robin Rosenberg is a Licensed Real Estate Salesperson with Signature Premier Properties Contact: 631-379-8636