news-record.com

Triadmommies.com, the largest free moms group in the Triad, has entered the "terrific threes."

Triadmommies.com celebrated its third birthday with a bash Oct. 18 at Triad Park in Kernersville.

The event doubled as a fundraiser for the "Give A Kid A Coat" drive, where 150-plus attendees collected 118 child- and adult-sized coats for needy families in our area.

"It is important for us at Triadmommies.com to not only have a good time, but to support families in the Triad who need some extra help this winter," said Mary Newton, events committee co-chairwoman for Triadmommies.com. "Almost everyone has an extra coat they don't use. It was an easy thing for us to do that will really help someone in need."

The coat drive is a joint effort between WFMY and 107.5 KZL, who work every year to ensure children who need a warm coat will have one for winter. Triadmommies also donated $500 to the coat drive.

Triadmommmies.com also raised more than $900 Nov. 22 in a holiday bazaar that highlighted more than 30 work-at-home-moms' businesses, products and services. The funds will be divided among various charitable organizations.

TriadMommies.com was founded Sept. 29, 2005. It is part of The Mommies Network, a nonprofit. The group's mission is to provide a safe, secure and free place for mothers to find support and encouragement from other mothers, and to empower them to be better women, parents and community leaders.

TriadMommies.com is based on the philosophy that no one should have to pay a fee to make a friend. The Web site offers free membership to any mother in the Triad. Members gain camaraderie and support through an online forum that is available 24 hours a day, and events around the area where mothers can meet face-to-face and develop friendships.

TriadMommies.com has more than 900 active members from across the Triad. Run by a team of dedicated leadership and management volunteers, the group averages more than 70 events a month across the Triad. Events include casual gatherings for coffee or play dates at the park, large group gatherings such as family dinners, mom's night out, zoo trips and group-wide parties. Additionally, there are regular charitable events.

Triadmommies.com promotes cultural diversity and has a private forum for members of the LGBT community.

Triadmommies.com always welcomes new members. To join, log onto triadmommies.com and sign up.

Cathy Gilkey is promotions manager for triadmommies.com. Contact her at cathy.gilkey@prucarolinas.com