It's a job that requires long hours, no pay and often goes unnoticed and without praise. But it's also one that most will agree is the best job in the world. It's motherhood and it's being celebrated this month thanks to one East County mother and a host of local vendors and organizations.

Celebrate Mama! is a free nationwide event that organizer Kristi Ortiz is helping bring to Brentwood on Aug. 16 to connect moms of all ages and stages with valuable community resources.

I'm hoping moms can come together and see all the resources available to them in this community, said Ortiz, licensed celebration coordinator. When I became a new mom five years ago, I didn't have any idea of what was out there for me. I want other new moms to know that they have more resources than they know.

The first 250 event goers will receive goodie bags filled with information and product samples. In addition, more than 30 local vendors and organizations will operate booths at Veterans Hall in Brentwood on the day of the event, which runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Among them are A Way Foundation, Delta First 5, Brentwood Children's Ballet Theater, Girlfriends Unlimited, Babies R Us, Baby Signs, Discovery Toys, Cookie Lee, Arbonne International, Pampered Chef, Wisdom Ways, Shifflett Photography, Essential Care Chiropractic, Financial Services, East County Performing Arts Center and Care Aromatherapy.

Various hands-on activities and demonstrations for the whole family will take place on stage every 30 minutes, including a women's self-defense class, a baby sign language demo, a yoga class for kids 5 and older, a creative movement class for young children and their parents, and a women and money seminar.

Event goers are encouraged to bring new and gently used maternity and kids' items for donation to the Family Stress Centers in Antioch and Martinez.

This is a one-stop event for moms, Ortiz said. It's something the whole family can have fun doing together, and we're giving back to the community in the process.

Vendors interested in participating in the Celebrate Mama! East County event should call Ortiz at 925-595-0272. For more information, visit www.celebratemama.com.