David Nelson Jr. passed away suddenly in July 2006. During his journey, David’s compassion for others resulted in his decision to be an organ donor. David saved the lives of five other people.

In his memory, David’s family and friends established the David Nelson Jr. Memorial Fund. The Fund provides educational scholarships for children of deceased organ and tissue donors. The Nelson family have provided these scholarships since 2009 and have awarded over $50,000 in scholarships for children of organ and tissue donors in partnership with Gift of Life Donor Program.

Additionally, in a continued effort to honor donors, raise awareness for organ and tissue donation, and support transplant families, each year the Nelson’s along with their extended family and friends host an annual “No Shower Happy Hour” fundraising event in North Wildwood, NJ. All proceeds support Gift of Life Howie’s House.

At the House, guests are asked to pay a highly subsidized room fee of only $40 a night rather than the actual cost of more than $180. No family is turned away if they cannot afford the fee. This is made possible thanks in part to the Nelson family and their incredible community of supporters who have steadfastly championed the House’s mission for more than a decade.

This year’s Happy Hour will take place on Saturday, June 29th celebrating the memory of Isabella Shinn and in honor of Vincent Novello.

Each year the David Nelson Jr. Memorial Fund hosts the “No Shower Happy Hour” fundraising event in North Wildwood, NJ. This event has proven to be a major success, helping to raise funds for the House and spread awareness about organ donation.

On June 29, 2024, the David Nelson Jr. Memorial Fund will host their 16th Annual “No Shower Happy Hour” at Keenan’s Irish Pub in North Wildwood, NJ, in loving memory of Isabella Shinn—an exceptional young woman who sadly passed in 2023 and became an organ donor hero. She was a kind, loyal person who loved her people with her entire heart and was always there for anyone who needed her. The event will also be in honor of Vincent Novello, a grateful heart recipient and good deed doer celebrating over 14 years of his second chance at life. His favorite saying is “a heart is not judged by how much you love, but how much you are loved by others.” -Wizard of Oz

Family, friends, and community members gathered at Keenan’s Pub in Wildwood, NJ this past Saturday to honor Vincent Novello and celebrate the memory of Isabella Shinn. This16th Annual No Shower Happy Hour is an important fundraiser for our mission and every year we are blown away by the generosity of this incredible community. Over $41,000 was raised for transplant families at the House! Thank you to the David Nelson Jr. Memorial Fund for hosting this special event and to all those who joined us last weekend and continue to support it year after year

If you have any questions about the No Shower Happy Hour fundraising event, please contact Patricia Nelson via email at pattynelly218@yahoo.com.

Check out these photos from last weekend’s 16th Annual No Shower Happy Hour!

More about David Nelson Jr. Memorial Fund

Over the years, the Nelson family and the David Nelson Jr. Memorial Fund community have participated in many Gift of Life initiatives including the Donor Dash, Hearts of Gold, as well as many speaking engagements and volunteer opportunities to support the transplant community. In 2013 the Nelson family represented Gift of Life Donor Program at the Rose Day Parade in California. David Nelson jr. was honored with a handmade flower graph and Patty, David’s mother, got to ride on the Donate Life Rose Parade float.