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 $228,600 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 25^th celebrating the memory of Bridget Tobin and Joseph Lowry Jr.

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 21, 2025, the David Nelson Jr. Memorial Fund will host its 17th Annual “No Shower Happy Hour” fundraiser at Keenan’s Irish Pub in North Wildwood, NJ, in loving memory of organ donor heroes Bridget Tobin and Joseph Lowry Jr.

Bridget had a larger-than-life personality that filled any room she entered. She was a deeply caring individual who always put her family and friends above all else. Anyone who met Bridget was instantly drawn to her vibrant and loving spirit.

Joseph was an incredible husband, father, and the best Poppy, who passed away in December 2024. If you were fortunate enough to know Joe, you knew the depth of his kindness and generosity. He was gentle, honest, and easy to talk to—a truly remarkable person.

With a deep commitment to honoring these two extraordinary individuals, raising awareness for organ and tissue donation, and supporting the transplant community, the Nelson family, along with their extended family and friends, will host this annual fundraising event, donating all proceeds to Gift of Life Howie’s House.

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

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.