2020 has been a tough year for everyone. We have all been able to learn and use words we rarely used before, like – quarantine, mask mandate, social distancing, and my current least favorite word, virtual. While we are facing challenging times and everyone has had to learn to adapt a bit, one thing that will not change is Maddie’s Footprints’ commitment to our families.
Our virtual auction for our gala is happening now though 8:00 pm on August 28th. There are some GREAT items ($50 for a chance to win over $4,300 worth of wine!!) available. Check them out here: www.maddiesgala.givesmart.com. I mean, who doesn’t need some Joe Burrow signed merchandise???
While our gala going virtual is tough, having to make our Footprints Forever 5k into a virtual event is so disappointing. FF is always a fun, uplifting family event where everyone can come together to celebrate their babies’ birthday parties all together. With the fun jumps, food, games, balloon release, and cookie cake with all of the babies’ names, this is always such a wonderful celebration of all of our babies. We will greatly miss seeing all of you this year but look forward to a spectacular 2021 event!
Families can still register, sign up a team and fundraise for the 5k. There will still be packet pickup with tshirts, goody bags, and for the first time this year – the first 500 people to sign up will also receive a Maddie’s Footprints Virtual 5k medal! You can sign up here: https://runsignup.com/Race/LA/Lafayette/FootprintsForever
The reality that Maddie’s is facing now is that although we have over a 25% increase in requests for assistance over this time last year, our income has been drastically cut. Our two main events, the gala and the 5k account for 90% of our yearly fundraising. The current challenge is securing sponsorships for the 5k. It is hard for some businesses to understand sponsoring a virtual event even though we are able to customize sponsorship packets and add extra value in exchange for them missing out on race day exposure. I actually think our sponsors will receive more bang for their buck this way, but it is still a hard sell.
Yet we still have babies to take care of.
We are 100% committed to doing the right thing by our families, and giving the parents the emotional support they need while providing the baby with the dignified burial they deserve. We are asking for your help so that we can continue our mission. If you know of any local business or individual that might like to be a part of our 5k, or someone who just might like to support this great cause, or if you would like a sponsorship packet for yourself, email Edie at ECouvillon@MaddiesFootprints.org.
As always, THANK YOU for supporting this 100% local non profit. We are proud of what we have achieved over the last 10 years, and look forward to many more years of helping Acadiana families!
Stay safe and healthy!
Edie Couvillon, E.D.
