Jen Clayman of Rindge wants to see some good come out of a personal tragedy.
This weekend will be what she hopes is the start of an annual tradition: raising funds through Emberly’s Embrace for car seats for new parents leaving Cheshire Medical Center. The organization is named for her own daughter, Emberly, who was stillborn at 39 weeks.
The Range in Mason will be hosting the charity benefit, which will include the band Over and Out, raffles, a silent auction including a Taylor Swift-signed guitar, food, a cash bar and activities for children. These will include car seat checks, touch-a-truck, face painting, balloons, a bounce house, games and arts and crafts.
All proceeds are to be donated to Cheshire Medical Center in memory of Emberly Rose Clayman.
Clayman said she started thinking about ways to honor her daughter last year, around what would have been her first birthday on Feb. 13. After the recent birth of her son, she said she wanted to honor the staff at Cheshire Medical Center, where he was born, and help other new families.
“They were amazing,” Clayman said of CMC. “They let me cry at every appointment because of my anxiety. I said, ‘I want to do something.'”
Clayman contacted the hospital, asking what the best donation might be, and the maternity ward suggested car seats. She said she liked the idea.
“I can’t bring my daughter home, but I can make sure other babies go home safely,” Clayman said.
With her mission in mind, Clayman set about starting a foundation. Emberly’s Embrace is dedicated to honoring Emberly by providing tangible support to local families and raising awareness about child safety. Friends helped come up with the name and design the logo. Over and Out volunteered to play, The Range agreed to host and they were off.
“I know nothing about planning an event, but I had lots of help,” Clayman said. “It has been just amazing to see the community come together and make this happen.”
Clayman said her goal is to raise at least $2,500, or enough to purchase 15 car seats. She said donations have put her about halfway to that goal, before the event has even taken place.
“I’m thankful,” said Clayman. “It’s been so much fun, to share my story, get her name out there and do some good. I don’t want this to be a completely sad thing. I miss her and wish she were here, but I want to make a happier feeling around my loss.”
Donations are tax-deductible through Emberly’s Embrace’s partnership with Cheshire Medical. The event is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 10, from noon to 4 p.m. at The Range, on 96 Old Turnpike Road in Mason. Admission is free; donations are encouraged. To donate or learn more, contact Jen Clayman at 978-339-3437 or emberlysembrace@gmail.com.