I recently met a man who was lost walking up and down Columbia Avenue in search of the food bank.  He had to take the bus into town in search for food for his family.  Spending the last few weeks feeling scared and sorry for myself and worried about my small business, reality hit me that day. I have it pretty good. And I wanted to do something for someone else.

I then read about The Front Steps Project created by photographer Cara Soulia of Boston who set out to document families in quarantine in exchange for a donation to a local charity.   I became inspired and knew this was something I could do to give back.

The idea is simple…a 5 minute portrait session of your family from the safety of your own porch or front steps in exchange for a donation to our local food banks.  Doing something for someone else may make us feel a little more connected in these surreal times.  And with so many of us feeling isolated  and disconnected from our friends and family, something as simple as a happy photograph can keep us going.

My hope is that The Front Porch Project of Cape May will bring us together virtually, spread a bit of joy in these trying times and provide the opportunity to help those who need it most right now in our Cape May County.

Stay safe everyone.  We’re all in this together.

UPDATE – MAY, 2020

It’s been over three weeks of photographing families in exchange for donations to our local food banks and we thank everyone who has participated and made a difference in the lives of those in need of food.  We photographed over 170 families and raised thousands of dollars for our food pantries and our Project is now winding down.  It’s been a wonderful experience for my co-pilot and I to visit with everyone (from afar), laugh and realize that we are truly all in this together.

It is now time for us to get back to work and plan  for when our lives  will begin to feel normal again.  M.P. Myers Photography will be busy planning for when  families will once again gather for their portraits…now more than ever we realize how there is nothing more important than families, friends and those we love.

Please continue to support and donate to our local food pantries and our neighbors.  Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all your support of the Front Porch Project of Cape May ♥

With love and gratitude,  Mary Pat and Guy

The Cape May Community Food Closet
500 Hughes Street, Cape May, NJ
www.cmfoodcloset.org
609-600-7715

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Lazarus House of Wildwood
Corner of Burke and Pacific Avenues, Wildwood, NJ
www.lazarushouseministries.org
609-522-1500

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Saint Barnabus by the Bay Church Food Pantry
13 West Bates Avenue, Villas, NJ
www.saintbarabusvillas.org
609-886-5960