Rose Checchio Walk Raises Over $13,500 for Breast Cancer Research

An estimated 200 participants gathered in downtown Scotch Plains on Saturday morning for the annual Rose Checchio PLAY for P.I.N.K. Walk, raising more than $13,500 for breast cancer research.

The grassroots fundraiser brought together survivors, local families, and municipal leaders from Scotch Plains and Fanwood to honor patients and remember loved ones lost to the disease. Led by IHM Parishioner and former Scotch Plains Mayor Al Smith, "Team Smith" mobilized more than 50 walkers and generated $9,000 in donations.

The event honors the late Rose Checchio, a former Scotch Plains deputy mayor who helped establish the walk before passing away from breast cancer in 2018.

All net proceeds go directly to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation through PLAY for P.I.N.K., a national organization that has raised more than $92 million to date. 

“Raising more than $13,000 for breast cancer research is an extraordinary accomplishment, and I’m grateful to everyone who walked, donated, volunteered and helped make today such a success. Rose’s legacy continues to bring our community together for an incredibly important cause,” Mayor Josh Losardo said.

Behind the Mic - Katie Wills

In this episode of Behind the Mic, Katie Wills shares "Lord, We Receive You", a gentle, singable song is focused on the person of Christ embodied in the Eucharist; its reflective nature helps to focus the faithful on their own preparation to receive this great gift. Perfect for moments of quiet adoration before the Blessed Sacrament or at a Mass of Thanksgiving.

Blessing of the Animals 2026

The Blessing of the Animals was a tremendous success, despite the rain. But that's ok! Fr Mike had a little extra holy water available to bless our puppies and kitties. As you can see, it was quite the social scene amongst our furry friends. BIG THANKS to our parishioners for braving the elements and joining us for the Blessing of the Animals!

Pancake Breakfast 2026

A Wonderful IHM Pancake Breakfast and Ministry Fair

What a wonderful morning of food, fellowship, and community at IHM! Our Pancake Breakfast was a tremendous success, with 190 people joining us to enjoy a delicious meal and spend time together.

Everyone enjoyed pancakes, sausages, baked goods, and fresh fruit. A few meals were also prepared and sent home to our homebound parishioners, extending the spirit of fellowship and care beyond those who were able to attend in person.

This event would not have been possible without the many generous volunteers who gave their time and talents. Volunteers helped with setting up, preparing and serving the food, welcoming and assisting our guests, and cleaning up afterward. Their hard work and joyful spirit made the morning run smoothly and helped create such a welcoming atmosphere for everyone.

A special highlight of the morning was the Ministry Fair, organized by Marielle Carroll. The fair gave parishioners an opportunity to learn more about the many ministries at IHM, discover ways to become involved, and connect with others who generously share their time and gifts with our parish community. Thank you to all of our ministry leaders who prepared and represented the individual ministries.

Thank you to everyone who attended, volunteered or helped in any way. Your generosity and participation made the Pancake Breakfast and Ministry Fair a truly special celebration of our IHM community. We are grateful for each and every one of you!

Volunteers:

Steve, Lesley & Chris Aman

Meghan, Peyton & Mason Assuncao

Jean Bagdonas

Kara & Emma Basuino

Pat Boyle

Melanie DaSilva

Joe & Sabrina DeGennaro

Emily DeSousa

Jessica & Natalie Fessock

The Freeman Family

Francesca, Matteo & Leo Giafaglione

Lucia & Ben Jover

Geraldine Keogh

Isabelle & Max Keogh

Margaret Lewis

Mary & Rileigh Lin

Mary Mahony

Mary Frances Malone (co-chair)

Diane (co-chair) & Bob McGuinness 

June Mooney

Jean Naugle (co-chair)

Anabella Nizner

Regina O'Connor

Lily & Paige Smith

Glenn Vaughn

Introducing Hope in Motion Ministry

Introducing our Hope in Motion Ministry at IHM. For the past year we have been receiving pallets of snacks, drinks and supplies from Hope Flows, a 501c3 based at Evangel Church in Scotch Plains.

We then distribute the donated goods to multiple organizations that serve the needy in our community. These organizations include our own food bank, food banks at St. Barts and St.Theresa’s, the St. Vincent’s Society, JCC of Middlesex County, Scotch Plains Senior Center, the senior center and wellness centers in Plainfield and Valerie’s Kitchen.

A large portion of the food goes directly to the homeless via St.John’s Soup Kitchen in Newark and to the homeless living on the streets and in the parks in Plainfield. We also donate to the Veterans at Valley Brook and Mercy House in Newark, Jersey City and Elizabeth.

In addition, this ministry invites our volunteers to make sandwiches and soup for the homeless. We set up sandwich making days and invite community groups to come serve with us. All the supplies are donated, so all we need from you is a willing attitude and your time. To join or volunteer in this ministry please contact the office at IHM @ 908-889-2100
Geraldine Keogh

IHM International Feast 2026

#GoodNews Our 3rd annual International Feast was a huge success! Our guests enjoyed a beautiful lunch with cuisine from so many countries and cultures.

A very special thank you to Margaret Lewis and Regina O’Connor who graciously chaired this event. They did a wonderful job pulling everything together and produced a fabulous event. Aa always we rely on our Parish Life committee members and they always come through. Thank you to Regina, Kathy, June and Mary Frances for all your hard work.

A big thank you to all the generous folk that cooked for us, we had so much food donated. Our guests were all able to take home to-go boxes with the leftovers.

Our lunch today was part of our bi-monthly series of free events that we provide to our senior community. We love our seniors and it is always a joy to serve them. Our next event is the Pancake Breakfast/Ministry Fair on Sunday September 27th. Followed by our 8th annual Friendsgiving lunch on November 22nd at 1pm in the Nazareth Center. Both events are free and open to anyone that wants to join us for a delicious meal and fellowship.

Thank you!

Geraldine, Mary Frances and Diane

Valairco Cares About the IHM Food Pantry

BIG THANKS to Valairco Heating & Cooling for their generous donation for the IHM Food Pantry. Food donations are very helpful. But monetary donations like these can be used for bulk food purchases that will enable us to feed more people in need. The Pantry Gang gave the Valairco team a tour of our facility and a quick demo of our operations. It was very informative and beneficial. BIG THANKS to the Valenti Family and everyone at Valairco! Family owned and operated solutions for heating and cooling. https://www.valairco.com/

Backpack Challenge 2026

#goodnews Kindness 4 Kids of Union County would like to thank the community of IHM parish for their overwhelming generosity. The volume and quality of the backpacks and school supplies donated was incredible and very  much appreciated.

Every one of the backpacks was designated for a specific child in the foster care system in Union County. We were given lists of the children’s ages, genders and grades so that each child received what they needed. The DCP&P case workers are currently distributing the backpacks to their families this week. The joy that you all created by your generosity for these young kids is truly a blessing. Who doesn’t remember the excitement and joy of going back to school with all that shiny new stuff!

As we conclude 14 years of providing back to school supplies to children in foster care, I could not be more proud and grateful for your unwavering support and generosity.

A special thank you to Gabe in the office for his tireless work on promoting this and all of our outreach programs at IHM.

Sincerely
Geraldine Keogh

Serving Meals at St. John's Soup Kitchen

#goodnews BIG THANKS to our amazing volunteers for serving meals at St. John's Soup Kitchen. IHM has been assigned a monthly opportunity to serve the homeless at St. John's Soup Kitchen in Newark. Our assigned slot is the first Tuesday of every month for the next 12 months. Next mission is Tuesday October 6, 2026.

We will need 5 volunteers for each date. We will arrange to leave from the Nazareth Center at 9:30 am and return 1:00 pm. This is a wonderful opportunity to help those in need. These events involve plating and serving lunches to over 250 men, women and children. Please let us know if you are available to help by checking-in below or call our office at 908-889-2100 if you need help. Thank you!

Emergency Blood Drive a Success!

#goodnews A successful blood drive! Thanks to @newyorkbloodcenter for partnering with our Fr. Nelligan Council 5730, Knights of Columbus to organize this drive. Thanks to Immaculate Heart of Mary Church for hosting and help with promotion. Thanks also to St. Bartholomew the Apostle Church, the Men's Cornerstone, the prayer groups and many people that helped promote the event and get a great attendance. Thanks to all the donors, without you the drive would not have been a success. Thank you!