Brushing away fear, the WaveMakers create a comforting mural to lift the spirits of patients.

A pediatric emergency department is a place no child or family hopes to visit and if you’ve ever had the experience, you know that a child-friendly, comforting, and inviting space can make all the difference. Earlier this year, WaveMakers from OceanFirst Bank’s Red Bank location teamed up with Splashes of Hope to paint a vibrant mural designed to ease nerves and spark joy for young patients and their families. Filled with hidden messages of hope, playful animals, and imagery inspired by the Jersey Shore, the mural will transform a clinical space at Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, New Jersey. 

Splashes of Hope collaborated closely with the JSUMC team to create a design that captures the spirit of the shore. Then, more than 25 OceanFirst Bank WaveMakers brought it to life— each choosing a scene or image to paint that resonated personally. Sarah couldn’t wait to paint “Sarah’s Seashells,” while Christine added her touch to a surfboard that, by happy coincidence, matched the flowers on her own board.

These moments of connection and creativity are what make the WaveMakers  so special. By turning paint into purpose, our team helped create a space where healing begins with hope. And the story doesn’t end there. WaveMakers in New York are gearing up to paint their own custom tiles this fall, and we can’t wait to see what the talented artists at Splashes of Hope dream up for them. Because when we come together to brighten someone’s day, we’re not just painting walls or tiles – we’re painting possibilities.

If your nonprofit has a great project idea or needs volunteers, contact Julie Bellezza, Volunteer & Community Engagement Coordinator at jbellezza@oceanfirstfdn.org.