Tonight marked the third annual holiday event for Wear the Cape’s kidkind foundation, and it just might have been the best one yet. With over 90 women in attendance, 20 Cape Kids who volunteered their time, and many vendors who donated their services and specialties, the kidkind foundation raised over $9,500(estimate) to use for GOOD.

Thanks to generous donations, in 2016 Wear the Cape and the kidkind foundation will be bringing to elementary schools a fun and inspiring, hour-long assembly with a new, positive approach to preventing and stopping bullying, publishing a children’s book that beautifully illustrates that it’s better to be a hero than a bully, and putting money toward scholarships for deserving young men and woman who embody Wear the Cape’s mission.

As the near 100 guests arrived, they were greeted by young Cape Kids decked in red capes, who assisted them with their generous donations. They also came laden with much needed supplies for our troops overseas via Operation NJ Cares, toys for underprivileged children via NJ Children’s Shelter of Trenton, and delicious treats for a cookie swap. By sharing one tray of cookies each with all, women were able to bring home tins of “kindness cookies” to enjoy and be reminded of the good in the world throughout the holiday season.

Guests even gained an early start on holiday shopping. Cocoa Fete, Fabulously Frilly, Eileen McDonald, Silpada, Rosie Posie Botique, Pampered Chef and Petit Lily were among the vendors who donated a percentage of their profits back to the kidkind foundation. Wear The Cape also introduced its new merchandise – a comfy long-sleeve tee, a warm and fuzzy hat, love-inspiring lip moisturizer and a beautifully crafted Cape pin – complete with “hero tags” that coach kids on making the right choices and being “BETTER THAN THAT™”.

Additionally, several local business owners, including Ann Nappi, Sandrine Boegart, Ann Fournier, and Danielle Mazzurco donated to a for-goodness-sake raffle. Pink Buttercup donated a cake and the valet fee was donated by YLP Parking, as well.

But the fun didn’t stop there! Madame Clare entertained and inspired adults and children with positive fortunes of their heroic deeds in the future. Colleen Grunfest of Warren, a beloved, local teacher who is committed to building good character in kids, donned a costume to play the part.

A highlight of the evening was watching the video trailer for Wear the Cape’s soon-to-be-released assembly, which will be brought to schools in New Jersey and beyond beginning this January 2016. One awesome Cape Kid summed up the video by saying, “My favorite part of making this movie was showing that it really is cool to be kind.”

For more information on how you can preview the assembly and bring the interactive, multimedia presentation to your child’s school, please email Leigh Ann Errico at leighann@wearthecapekids.com.