Close-up of a circular logo with the words "The Northeast" and "Wisconsin" surrounding a stylized letter "N" with a small flower symbol. 
DEB’S DAY 2026

For Debi. For love. For moms.

A decorated van filled with yellow, pink, and purple flowers for a celebration, with the words 'Deb's Day' written on the side.

A small community project honoring my mom Debi by helping single moms on Long Island feel seen, celebrated, and supported. Every August, on her birthday, we keep her love going.

DONATE TO SUPPORT
NOMINATE A MOM
Two women, a bride in a white wedding dress and an older woman in a teal dress, embracing and smiling outdoors near a body of water. The older woman holds a bouquet of flowers, and the bride has a pink corsage on her wrist.

Five years of flowers. This year we're going further.

Our GOAL THIS YEAR

For five years we handed out flowers in Debi's memory, simply to spread kindness through grief. This year we took it one step further, and the community showed up in a way that took our breath away.

Together we raised $4,900 in total support for local single moms right here on Long Island. Fourteen moms received gifts this year: five moms received a $250 check, eight moms received a $100 check, and one mom received a donated experience valued at $2,850 from our local partners. $2,050 in financial gifts went directly into their hands, $500 of which was matched by The Nest.

To everyone who sponsored a bouquet, nominated a mom, and shared Deb's Day with their community: thank you. Debi would have loved every single bit of this.

SPONOR A BOUQUET
NOMINATE A MOM

Deb’s Day 2026

THE DETAILS BEHIND

DEB’S DAY

WHY SINGLE MOMS?
Because I was raised by one. I watched my mom do everything she could to make sure I had what I needed, and I also watched the quiet weight she carried. The financial gymnastics, the constant figuring it out, the never letting me see how heavy it really was. But what I felt, always, was love. That never wavered. Usually when money gets tight, the extras disappear first, the outings, the memories, the breathing room. No mom should have to choose between paying a bill and making memories with her kids.

Two women standing together smiling indoors with a decorated wall, a mirror, and framed photos on a table behind them.
Two women sitting close together indoors with a decorative brown wall in the background. One woman has long dark hair, glasses, and is wearing a black strapless top. The other has shoulder-length blonde hair and is wearing a white shirt.

WHY FLOWERS?
After my mom passed away, our family was surrounded by funeral flowers. It was overwhelming in the most beautiful and painful way. And when it was over, we didn’t know what to do with them. They were too beautiful to throw away, and too heavy to keep. My husband, Steve, suggested we turn them into bouquets and bring them into the community. So we did. We handed them out the morning after the funeral. It was simple, but it helped us breathe again. So every August, on Debi’s birthday, we continue that tradition. We make bouquets together as a family now with our two daughters helping too and take them out into the world in her honor.

Close-up of a smiling woman with blonde hair, wearing earrings and a necklace, dressed in a teal top.
Group of people celebrating at a party with colorful balloons and decorations inside a wooden venue.

WHY THE RV LOGO?
After she passed, we didn't know how she'd still show up in our lives. At the funeral home, Elton John's "The B*tch Is Back" started playing just as a massive RV pulled into the parking lot. My mom and Jerry loved camping, and it felt like something we couldn't ignore. Since then RVs have kept appearing in the most unexpected ways. When I made the RV the symbol of Deb's Day, two RVs passed me immediately afterward. That's Deb. Still here. Still loud. Still making us laugh.

A man and woman stand smiling in front of a recreational vehicle at a parking lot. The woman is wearing a white T-shirt, black shorts, and sneakers, with her leg raised. The man is wearing a yellow T-shirt, black shorts with yellow stripes, white socks, and sneakers. The RV has the brand name 'Coachmen' on it and appears to be used for camping or travel.
A woman with blonde hair, glasses, and a white sleeveless top with colorful embroidery around the neckline, smiling and looking at a birthday cake with lit candles, on a wooden table in a dimly lit restaurant or pub.

Every act of support carries her legacy forward.

A hand holding a bouquet of small pink and white flowers with a note card attached. In the background, there is a lush green park with trees, a body of water, and a blue sky.

Sponsor a Bouquet
Honor someone you love by sponsoring a bouquet. Your person's name goes on the tag, and 100% of your contribution goes directly into the fund for local single moms. It's a small act that carries a lot of love.

SPONSOR A BOUQUET
A memorial table with a framed photo of a smiling woman, surrounded by colorful flowers, set outdoors on a patterned tablecloth.

Nominate a Mom
Know a single mom in your community who could use a moment of joy, a break, or a little financial relief? Nominations come from the people who know and love them, because that's how community works.

NOMINATE A MOM
A family of four sitting outdoors at a table with a large bouquet of colorful flowers, smiling and posing for a photo. The woman and man are wearing sunglasses, and two young children are in their laps, one girl with pigtails and one boy. There is a framed photo on the table,.

Become a Deb’s Day Partner
Local businesses and community members can donate a service, experience, or gift that goes directly to a nominated mom and her family. If you want to get involved and don't know where to start, reach out and we'll figure it out together.

BECOME A PARTNER

Debi was the kind of person you didn't forget.

THE WOMEN BEHIND IT ALL

She was loud, loving, and impossible to ignore. A single mom who made everyone feel safe, seen, and cared for the moment they walked into her orbit. She was a waitress for most of her life and she had this gift, the kind you can't teach, of turning a complete stranger into a friend within minutes. She didn't just make conversation. She made people feel like they mattered.

Her laugh filled every room she walked into. Full, loud, impossible to ignore. If Debi started laughing, everyone else did too. Her hugs were the same way. She'd wrap you up, rock you back and forth, kiss you even when you tried to dodge it, and she was never, ever the first one to let go.

She loved simple, very her things. Tea with way too much sugar. A Coca-Cola. Marlboro Reds. A good seafood dinner. A life where she was always in motion, always talking, always connected to the people around her. She was hardworking, funny, deeply loved, and if you knew her, you didn't forget her.

She passed away in 2021.
 Deb's Day is how we keep her going.
Children in a room with wooden walls, one boy wearing a gray 'Florida' shirt with the number 82, smiling and waving, another child with red hair partially visible, and a woman with reddish hair sitting at a table.
Two couples dancing outdoors at a social gathering with a band playing under a white tent.
Two women, one older with blonde hair and glasses in a black dress, and one younger with long brown hair and a red graduation gown with cap, posed for a photo at a graduation ceremony.
A bride and an older woman exchanging a kiss at a wedding ceremony near a river, with guests and boats in the background.
A woman sitting on the wooden floor holding a black dog, with framed artwork behind her and a yellow tennis ball on the floor in front of her.
Person holding a bouquet of red and yellow roses with baby's breath flowers, attached to a card for Deb's Day, outdoors on a sunny day with trees and water in the background.
A bouquet of various colorful flowers including white lilies, pink roses, purple and white filler flowers, and orange blooms. A card is placed among the flowers with a message for Deb's Day, honoring their mom.
A hand holding a bouquet of small white, pink, and purple flowers with a tag that says 'Debi's Day' in a park by a body of water, with trees and a blue sky in the background.
A family of three, a woman, a man, and a young girl, standing together outdoors near the water on a sunny day. The woman is holding the girl, and both are smiling. The man is standing next to them, also smiling, wearing sunglasses and flip-flops. In
A family of four, including two women and two children, smiling and sitting at a table decorated with colorful flowers outdoors on a sunny day. There is a framed photo and a document on the table.
A memorial table with a framed photo of a smiling woman, surrounded by vibrant floral arrangements on a patterned tablecloth at an outdoor setting.
A memorial table with a framed photo of a smiling woman, surrounded by orange roses, pink flowers, and baby's breath, set outdoors near a waterfront park with trees, benches, and boats in the background.
A memorial setup with a bouquet of multicolored roses and a framed photograph of a smiling woman, outdoors by a waterfront with boats and industrial chimneys in the background.
A table covered with a colorful paisley-patterned cloth displaying a framed photograph of a smiling woman and a large arrangement of vibrant flowers outdoors.
A harbor with boats and sailboats docked, green hills in the background, a clear blue sky, and a rocky shoreline in the foreground.
Memorial display with a framed photograph of a woman, surrounded by a large bouquet of colorful flowers, including yellow, pink, and white roses. There are two young children, a girl and a boy, sitting near the display on a table covered with a light
At a memorial table, a framed photograph of a smiling woman is surrounded by a bouquet of colorful roses and flowers. There are two young children, a girl with pigtails and a baby, sitting on the table. The background shows a parking lot, trees, and
A memorial setup with colorful flowers on a tablecloth-covered table, and a framed photograph of a smiling woman, likely at a funeral or memorial service.
A park with a view of a marina filled with boats, trees, benches, a table with flowers and donation cards, on a cloudy day.
A memorial display at an outdoor event featuring a framed black-and-white portrait of a smiling woman, surrounded by a large colorful flower arrangement with pink, yellow, and white blooms. There are two young children with light brown hair and light
Kitchen island with a large floral arrangement of pink lilies, white and pink roses, and other flowers, set in a room with white cabinetry, stainless steel refrigerator, and dining area with chairs and table.
A memorial display on a table with a framed black-and-white photo of a smiling woman, a large colorful floral arrangement, and a purple decorative cloth. The table is outdoors near a park with grass and trees.
Memorial setup with colorful flowers, a framed photo of a smiling woman, and a decorative tablecloth on an outdoor table.
A memorial display on a table featuring a framed photo of a smiling woman, a bouquet of colorful flowers including roses and baby's breath, and a small group of children standing and sitting nearby at an outdoor event on a sunny day.
A memorial display with a framed black-and-white photograph of a smiling woman, surrounded by a variety of colorful flowers, on a table covered with a patterned cloth.
A memorial table with a framed photo of a smiling woman and a colorful flower arrangement on a patterned tablecloth outdoors.
View of a marina with sailboats and yachts docked, with calm water, a green hillside in the background, and a blue sky.
A baby girl with a black bow headband, sitting on a kitchen counter, wearing a pink shirt that says 'Debi's Girl' and striped pants, surrounded by colorful flowers and a framed photo at a celebration or memorial with a bouquet and a card.

2026 Gifted Experiences by our local partners on Long Island ($2,850 value)

An outline of the United States in blue with the word "Roadtrip" written inside in cursive red font.

Family Dinner

Family dinner at Roadtrip in Bay Shore. This $200 experience invites a local family to enjoy a memorable night out, thanks to our sponsor, Melissa Zelli, Esq.

Green background with yellow text that reads 'Birdies' in cursive.

Family fun night out at Birdies

Black and white logo with a stylized lion's head in the letter R, and the words "REVIVAL STRENGTH & RECOVERY."

A $50 gift card towards a fun night out for a mom and her children, gifted by owner Ashley Kost.

Massage & Sauna at Revival

A $200 experience dedicated to rest and renewal in East Setauket, sponsored by Elizabeth & Rob Ali.

A stylized red and black logo with the word "LOVE" integrated with devil horns at the top.

Cheerleading Season Fees

for Center Moriches SD

A $250 experience covering the 2026-2027 season fees for children in the household that are elementary aged and live in either Center or East Moriches Elementary , gifted by Melissa Zelli, Esq.

A sign with the word 'VILLAGE' in bold blue letters on a beige background with a decorative border

A gift for mom from the Village

A $60 embrodied tote bag, thoughtfully donated by Village in Sayville, the owner Ashley Kost.

A stylized sports logo combining the letters 'A' and 'C' with devil horns, in red and black.

Football Season Fees

for Center Moriches SD

A $300 experience covering the 2026-2027 season fees for children in the household that are elementary aged and live in either Center or East Moriches Elementary , gifted by Melissa Zelli, Esq.

Logo with a stylized green plant above the words 'GREEN PURPOSE PRESS' on a beige background.

Professional Resume Review

A $175 experience including a 60-minute session with Marianne Matarese to refresh and refine your career path.

Logo for The Nest 2023, featuring stylized text with the word "THE" curved above "NEST" and "2023" on either side of a central decorative symbol.

The Nest
Gift Cards

A collective gift of $500 from The Nest plus all additional community donations to directly support local moms.

Black background with orange artistic lettering forming the initials 'D' and 'A' for dahlia.artistry, with the full name 'dahlia.artistry' written at the bottom in orange.

Tattoo & Deb’s Day Logo

$200 towards a custom tattoo by Alissa at Black Book Tattoo in Huntington. Special thanks to Alissa for bringing the Deb’s Day vision to life & creating the Deb’s Day Logo ($250 value).

A circular logo with two beer mugs topped with foam, facing each other, with a book open between them, and the text 'The Bookstore' below.

Mom’s night out

at The Bookstore

Gifted by Melissa Zelli, Esq., this mom will enjoy a $50 gift card and a choice of a book from the Book Store in Patchogue.

The logo features a yellow lily flower with green leaves and the words "Br-Iutiful blooms" in elegant black script.

50 floral bouquets valued at $500 thoughtfully sponsored by Briana, owner of Bri-utiful Blooms in Ronkonkoma.

Bri-utiful Blooms

A symmetrical, decorative floral pattern in olive green with a central flower motif, set against a cream background.

Trov Creative Co.

Design Support

Special thanks to Hannah Lyons of Trov Creative Co. Web Design who created the Deb’s Day Bouquet tags ($250.00 value).

A young woman in a wedding dress and an older woman in a teal dress hugging and smiling outdoors near a body of water, with the younger woman holding a bouquet of flowers.
A woman and a man smiling and posing in front of a large travel trailer or RV at a parking lot. The woman is wearing a white T-shirt and shorts, and the man is dressed in a yellow T-shirt and black shorts with yellow stripes.
A young woman holding a large bouquet of flowers posing with an older woman in an outdoor parking lot.
A woman with short red hair and glasses smiling while holding a yellow drink with a straw at a social gathering.
A man and a woman dancing together, smiling, in a dimly lit room decorated with Christmas lights and balloons.
A woman with blonde hair in a short, wavy bob wearing a pink sweatshirt with 'PINK' written on it, standing indoors with her hands clasped in front of her. Behind her are a woman with dark hair tied back and a person with hair in a bun, both facing a
Two women, one with blonde hair and glasses and the other with long brown hair, taking a selfie at a graduation ceremony. The woman in the graduation gown and cap is smiling, holding a diploma. Other graduates in caps and gowns are in the background.
A wedding photo of a bride in a white gown, a groom in a blue suit, and an older woman in a blue dress holding a bouquet of flowers, standing outdoors near a body of water.
Close-up of a smiling woman with glasses, blonde hair styled in curls, wearing earrings, a necklace, and a teal dress, at what appears to be a social gathering.
A woman wearing sunglasses and a black and white polka dot dress holding a red cup, standing outdoors near a building with a white wall.
A woman and a young girl on a swing set in a backyard garden with green grass, bushes, and trees.
A woman dancing outdoors at a gathering or party with arms stretched out, smiling.
A woman with glasses and long blonde hair celebrating her birthday with a tropical-themed cake with a pineapple topper, palm tree decoration, and candles, seated at a wooden table in a restaurant.
A person with glasses and a striped sweatshirt smiling and waving, seen through a reflective glass or mirror with water droplets, with another person with red hair in the foreground and a window with a grid pattern in the background.
Two women standing outdoors in front of greenery and a small stream. They are smiling and wearing casual clothes with necklaces. One woman has blonde hair and the other has short brown hair.
A smiling woman with light skin, blonde hair, and blue eyes, wearing a teal dress and jewelry, with a purple border featuring the quote "Of all the gifts that life has to offer, A loving mother is the greatest of them all".
Two women smiling at a wedding reception, one in a white wedding gown and the other in a teal dress, standing indoors near a window with a sign that says "Cowgirl" visible on the door behind them.
A photo of a smiling woman with short dark hair, wearing a white and gray striped shirt. There are other people around her, and the scene appears to be at a social gathering or party.
A woman with blonde hair and glasses smiling at a birthday cake with lit candles in a restaurant setting.
Two women standing together in Times Square, New York City, with bright billboards and advertisements in the background, and wet sidewalk reflecting the lights.
may13 - Copy.jpg
Memorial setup with a colorful flower arrangement, a framed portrait of a woman, and a patterned cloth on a table outdoors.
A group of people dancing outdoors under a white canopy tent, with a man and woman holding hands in the foreground, and a musician with a guitar in the background.
A woman with glasses and blonde hair in a ponytail smiling and holding a dessert is in a lively restaurant or bar, with other patrons seated at tables.
A woman in a white sleeveless dress is smiling and talking on a mobile phone behind a glass door on which decorative spiral patterns are applied. She appears to be indoors, with a flower arrangement and magazine racks visible in the background.
An elderly woman with glasses sitting on a wooden floor, happily hugging a black dog. Behind her are framed pictures leaning against the wall. A yellow tennis ball is on the floor nearby.
Four women and a priest standing outside, with a statue of an angel in the background, during a religious ceremony.
Young woman smiling, wearing a white and dark blue naval officer's hat, outdoors with other people.
A vintage photo of two young women happily posing together at an outdoor fair, with trees, colorful flags, and a carousel in the background.
A man with two young girls sitting on his lap on a plaid couch, all smiling. The man is wearing glasses and a teal shirt, while the girls are wearing casual clothes. They are in a cozy room with striped curtains.
Two women wearing sunglasses, smiling, outdoors at a gathering or party, with a striped house siding background.
A bride and a woman, likely her mother, sharing a kiss during a wedding ceremony near a waterfront, with guests and boats in the background.
Two women standing next to each other in a restaurant or bar setting, smiling at the camera. One woman has long dark hair, wearing a striped dress and nude heels. The other woman has shoulder-length red hair, wearing glasses, a white sleeveless top,
Group of people celebrating at a party with colorful balloons and decorations.
Two women smiling and sitting close together indoors. One woman has shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white blouse. The other woman has shoulder-length brown hair, glasses, and is wearing a black strapless top.
A woman with glasses sitting cross-legged on a wooden floor, holding a black puppy, smiling. Three framed posters are leaning against the wall behind her, and a yellow tennis ball is on the floor nearby.
Park with green grass, trees, benches, pathway, and a view of a marina with boats in the water. Flowers and a table with floral arrangements are in the foreground.
A memorial table with a framed photo of a smiling woman, surrounded by colorful flowers, set outdoors on a patterned tablecloth.
Kitchen island with arrangements of flowers in various vases, stainless steel refrigerator, white cabinets, and a glimpse of the dining area with hanging light fixtures.
A religious wedding scene featuring a priest and four women, one young girl, all in formal attire, standing outdoors in front of a building with large windows.
A young woman with long brown hair smiling, wearing a black and white cap, in a group setting.
Vintage photo of two women at an outdoor event, standing close together and smiling, with flags and people walking in the background, possibly at a carnival or festival.
A man with two young girls sitting on a plaid couch and smiling at the camera.
Two women smiling and wearing sunglasses, sitting outside at a gathering or party.
A wedding scene with two women kissing, one with curly blonde hair and glasses, wearing a black jacket, and the other with long dark hair, a veil, and a white wedding dress. Several guests are in the background near a marina with boats and water, out
Two women standing together indoors, smiling for the photo. One woman has long dark hair and is wearing a sleeveless, striped dress. The other woman has medium-length red hair, glasses, and is wearing a sleeveless white top and dark pants. In the bac
Group of celebrating people at a party with colorful balloons and banners, smiling and posing for a photo inside a decorated venue.
Two women sitting closely together, smiling, with a purple wall and a decorative wooden panel in the background.
A memorial table with a framed photo of a smiling woman, surrounded by a large bouquet of colorful flowers, including yellow, pink, and white roses. There are two young children sitting in front of the flowers, outdoors on a sunny day with green tree
Group of people celebrating in a decorated indoor setting with colorful balloons and signs, some with balloons on their heads.
An elderly woman with glasses sitting on a wooden floor, hugging a black dog. There are framed posters behind her and a yellow tennis ball on the floor nearby.
A woman with blonde hair and glasses smiling at a birthday cake with lit candles on a wooden table in a restaurant.
A man with two young girls sitting on a plaid couch with a striped curtain behind them, all smiling and appearing happy.
Two women standing together in a cozy restaurant or bar, smiling at the camera. One woman is dressed in a striped, sleeveless dress and beige heels, the other is in a white sleeveless top, black pants, and sandals, with glasses and long reddish hair.
A bride and another woman sharing a kiss during a wedding ceremony outdoors near water, with guests in the background.
Two women sitting close together and smiling, with a purple wall and orange patterned background behind them.
Two women smiling and wearing sunglasses outdoors, with a man in the background and a table with drinks nearby.
Two couples dancing at an outdoor gathering under a white tent, with a musician playing guitar in the background.
Group of people celebrating at a colorful party with balloons and decorations.
A young woman smiling, wearing a shako hat, with others around her, possibly during a parade or celebration.
Two women standing on a wet city sidewalk in Times Square, New York City, with illuminated billboards and pedestrians in the background.
A woman smiling and holding ice cream in a restaurant or bar setting with people seated at tables in the background.
A vintage photo of a man and woman hugging at an outdoor fair or amusement park, with other people walking around and colorful banners and balloons in the background.
A smiling woman with short brown hair and glasses sitting at a table with food, and a young man with short hair standing behind her. There are other people partially visible and a red balloon in the background.
Two women smiling, one in a wedding dress and the other in a dark blue dress, standing next to each other indoors near a door with sunlight coming through the window.
Two women standing on a city sidewalk in Times Square, New York City, with bright digital billboards and crowds in the background on a rainy day.
Two women standing outdoors on a rocky and grassy area with greenery and trees behind them, smiling at the camera.
A woman with long blonde hair and glasses sitting at a table with a colorful birthday cake with candles on top.

FAQs

  • No. The Nest is a private practice, not a 501(c)(3) non-profit. We are a community outreach effort. 100% of the money raised goes directly to the moms, and The Nest covers the matching funds and all administrative costs.

  • We prefer nominations to come from a friend, family member, or neighbor who can speak to why you deserve a break. We believe in the power of community looking out for one another.

  • Bills are a reality but fun is a necessity. Our community partners donate services, think wellness treatments, family outings, and meaningful experiences, so moms can make memories without the financial stress.

  • Because we value privacy, we contact winners directly and privately by August 15. We do not post winners' names publicly unless they explicitly ask us to share their story.

  • Life happens. If the winnings aren't claimed or picked up by August 22, or within one week of contact, we redistribute the funds to the next mom on our list. We want to make sure the help actually gets used.

  • Absolutely. Each sponsorship adds another name to our honor wall tags at the harbor and puts more money directly into the fund for the moms.

  • Yes, please do. While this is a deeply personal day for our family, we've decided to open the handout to the community this year. We appreciate you holding space for us if we're a little quieter than usual. It's an intimate family moment and we're grateful to share it.

  • We'll be in Port Jefferson on August 22. With two little kids in tow our start time is TBD but we're planning for the morning. Watch our social media for final timing updates. Rain date is August 23.

DEB'S DAY 2026

Debi's love doesn't
stop here.

Every bouquet sponsored, every mom nominated, every share on social media keeps her going. If you want to be part of it, we'd love to have you

Sponsor A Bouqet
Support our mission 
STAY IN THE LOOP

Follow along as Deb's Day comes to life.

We share updates, nominee stories, partner spotlights, and behind the scenes moments leading up to August 22 on Instagram. Come find us.

Follow @thenest_li on Instagram #DEBSDAY

A family of four sitting at a table outdoors on a sunny day, with a large bouquet of colorful flowers and a framed photo of a woman. The family includes a woman with short brown hair and sunglasses, a man with a shaved head and sunglasses, a little girl with pigtails, and a baby girl. There are trees and parked cars in the background.