Case for Support

Case for Support The death of a child is perhaps the greatest tragedy that can come upon a family, ushering in with it many critical challenges surrounding the psycho-social, religious and economic implications. The Unforgettables Foundation was created as a response to an unrecognized gap in the social support system. Since 2000, The Unforgettables Foundation (TUF), which was founded by Tim Evans, a children’s hospital chaplain, along with other community leaders, has helped families struggling to afford a simple and timely funeral for their child. With the support and help of Tim Evans, Jared Still the Board Chair and Founder of the Ohio Chapter has launched a foundation chapter in the local area, The Unforgettables Foundation of Southern Ohio, which is to enable low-income families to give their children a dignified burial. Jared has a passion for giving back to the local area. One of the main reason Jared has looked into starting a foundation was because of the sudden loss of his brother Greg back in 2005. He understands and empathizes with families that are going through the grieving process and is wanting to make this process for families as dignified as possible. Funerals and burials are expensive and often unexpected. With the majority of Americans having only 60 days worth of savings on hand for living expenses, the $5000-$10,000 cost of this unavoidable process can create financial debt and stress for years to come. To help families in crisis, The Unforgettables Foundation has developed a successful collaboration with mortuaries to help fill the gap. The darkest day of a family can be made much more difficult when there are not enough funds on hand for the funeral process. By attributing donated funds to the mortuary account, this one of a kind 501 (c)(3) organization has been able to step into the gap to help grieving loved ones in a comprehensive effort. The Unforgettables Foundation aids in funeral costs for children aged 32 weeks gestation to 18 years old and covers all causes of death from stillbirth to sickness, suicide, and accidents. “If your neighbor asked you to help raise (or give) money to bury their child, would you help them?” The donors, volunteers, and board members of The Unforgettables Foundation have answered this question with a resounding “yes” - dedicating themselves to making a difference for those families who may be struggling within their community. It is with this heart that we ask our community to support our mission by helping those whose darkest days are upon them. This is more than philanthropy. This is community.