Thanks Mom & Dad Fund Launches Virtual “Thanks a Million 2020” Campaign to Raise Much-Needed Funds to Assist Older Adults

ATLANTA – The Thanks Mom & Dad Fund, an Atlanta-based nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting programs and initiatives for seniors, has redesigned its annual “Thanks a Million Gala” into a “Thanks a Million 2020”, a virtual fundraising campaign.  Throughout the month of November 2020, the organization will host online events, and actively seek donations to fund the many services and programs tailored specifically for older adults.  The scope of activities can be found at www.thanksgala.org.

“For the past 16 years, our Board of Directors has hosted a themed, in-person gala to raise awareness and funds for the many older adults who need assistance,” said Maureen Kelly, president of Thanks Mom & Dad Fund.  “Since we cannot celebrate in person this year, we will come together in an all-new format.  We invite everyone to join us virtually as individuals or team members for game night, special workshops and more that will be held Nov. 17-28, 2020.  I think people will appreciate the flexible scheduling and opportunities offered by our multiple events and virtual format.  We all know the COVID-19 pandemic has affected seniors on many levels, including emotionally, physically and financially.  Many older adults are being forced to stretch food or forgo timely doctor visits, and health precautions are keeping them isolated from friends and family members.  Caregivers are facing fatigue and personal protective equipment (PPE) shortages.  The Thanks a Million Campaign is designed to be fun for participants and to honor those who came before us.  Most importantly, it will raise much-needed funds so we can help the seniors who need assistance right now.”

The Thanks a Million Fundraising Campaign will include:

• A virtual trivia night Nov. 19 at 7 p.m. for a donation of $30-$250
• Online educational workshops on how to find help for older adults and Medicare open enrollment
• An “Honor Wall”, where donors can post a photo and share a story about someone to whom they want to say “Thanks a Million”.  The stories and photos will be shared on social media.
• Opportunities to create online fundraisers where family and friends can donate
• Appearances by retired journalist and WSB-TV Public Affairs Director Jocelyn Dorsey and actor Michael Kelly (House of Cards and Jack Ryan)

Since March 2020, Thanks Mom & Dad Foundation has identified and funded efforts to assist older Georgians during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Earlier this year, Thanks Mom & Dad Fund addressed specific needs for meals, PPE for senior caregivers and mental health services to combat the financial strain and social isolation experienced by older adults sheltering at home, thanks to a $50,000 grant from Anthem Foundation, the charitable arm of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Amerigroup in Georgia.  The Fund also recently partnered with LeadingAge Georgia, a statewide association of mission-driven organizations providing housing and services to older adults, to purchase nutritious meals and food for more than 4,200 low-income seniors.