About Us
Our Inspiration
Mike is the inspiration for the Brady Beanie project. I wanted to capture the warmth he exuded and to share that warmth with those in need.
Our Mission
Our mission is "to keep heads warm and share the warmth with those in need".
Our Logo And Tag Line
Our logo and tag line have been designed to capture the essence of Mike and our mission. The colors are a reflection of Mike: blue for his blue, blue eyes and yellow for his bright, bright smile.
2023 Recipients
Rescue Mission Of Trenton
Please meet Barrett Young, CEO of the Rescue Mission of Trenton who welcomed me on December 6th to receive the Brady Beanies. On behalf of the Mission, he epxressed deep gratitude for our collective efforts and re-inforced what a NEW and lovingly made hat means to those who receive them. Seeing all the hats laid out like this was really impressive.
Rescue Mission Of Trenton
From Press Release from RMT:
Anita’s Handmade Expressions of Love Keep People on The Street and in The Shelter Warm Again This Winter
Anita Brady brought 185 hats to The Mission that she and her friends and family knitted/crocheted in the past year in warm remembrance of her husband Michael Brady, the former cross country and track & field coach at Princeton University and Rider College.
This is the sixth year that Anita and her friends and family have donated hats they’ve made, as she said, “to capture the warmth he exuded and to share that warmth with those in need.”
Each of the hats, which are pieces of art and pieces from the heart, are created as a unique expression of love. As Anita shared, “The best knitters take at least a day to create some of the easier designs. Some of the more intricate designs take days.”
At Anita’s request, they will be given to people staying in The Shelter and to people who we meet through our Mobile Outreach Project to help individuals living on the streets who are struggling with addiction.
Saint Benedict's Prep Newark NJ
Saint Benedict's has been an integral part of the Newark community for over 150 years, providing education and sustenance for children from pre-school through high school.
Saint Benedict's Prep
Sister Linda Klaiss manages the food pantry which supplies food and other items to the SBP and broader Newark communities. She received the hats warmly and is appreciative for all those who created them. "I am grateful to have these beautiful hats to give to those who need them. And, to have something brand new is even better."
Thank You
My deepest gratitude to all of my friends and family who created warm hats, enlisted their friends to make hats or who simply cheered us on.
Prior Recipients
Trenton Rescue Mission
Please meet Niki who helped bring the beanies to the Mission. She was excited to give their residents a NEW hat of their very own. Having a brand new hat that was lovingly hand made brings dignity to those in need.
Trenton Rescue Mission 2019
Please meet Henry, a resident of the Mission. He selected this hat for himself and loves it!. He said it is like "having a piece of art from a piece of the heart".
HomeFront 2019
Please meet Liza, who is the Liaison between HomeFront and its army of volunteers. Liza is so dedicated and is the glue that keeps things together at the Family Campus.
HomeFront 2019
While our focus was on providing hats for adults, we did receive some hats for kids and they were happily accepted at HomeFront. Please meet Ariel.
HomeFront 2019
Please meet Michael from HomeFront.
HomeFront 2019
Here is Ezraiah, who, as you can see, is very happy with his new hat!
Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center 2019
The Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center provides excellent and compassionate care for oncology patients. For 16 years, Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center has been a partner with the highly respected Fox Chase Cancer Center. You can learn more about this wonderful provider at hunterdonregionalcancercenter.org.
Nancy is the oncology nurse navigator for the Center and was thrilled to accept the hats for so many of their patients. From personal experience, Nancy was a lifeline in a tough situation.
The Sydney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins Medicine 2019
Ranked #4 in cancer care in the nation, The Sydney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center is only one of 41 centers nationwide to carry the National Cancer Institute's designation as a comprehensive cancer center. for more information, please go to hopkinsmedicine.org/kimmel_cancer_center/.
The Sydney Kimmel Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins Medicine 2018
The hats were delivered to Joanne at the Cancer Center. She was so happy to have more hats to share with the patients again this year. She assured me they would be warmly used.
Special Thanks to my great friend and colleague Kit McCracken
Kit created the name, logo, tag line and graphics. She is my biggest supporter.