launch the Together at Peace Foundation! It was a sparkling success celebrating hope, connection, and the power of supporting one another on our journeys to heal and feel peace. We raised over $100,000 in funds and also a vibrant awareness around our dedication to inspiring uplifting ways to honor and celebrate the love and
legacies alive in our lives. We also shared our mission to support hopeful bereavement care for the world! The funds raised went directly to fulfilling current wish lists from partner charities and supporting meaningful new initiatives.
My favorite part of the day was our Hug-a-Bear station where guests were invited to hug our lavender bears before we sent them off to the Illinois Bereavement Council for Infant Fetal Loss in various labor + delivery departments.
Penny conversations among tables created special moments to share stories of life, love and legacy. A collective sparkle of hope was beaming above the crowd as a live singer took the mic and closed the event with “Pennies from Heaven.”
It was just an overwhelming community of people all sharing their stories and doing good in honor of those we love and have lost.
Can you share examples of successful initiatives or programs that have been made possible through effective leadership and strategic decision-making?
The Together at Peace Foundation was founded from a heartfelt need to address the significant gap in the bereavement experience that speaks to the impact that eternal love and legacy can have on resilience.
Bereavement care is dramatically underfunded in many hospitals, schools and charities that have first contact with individuals and families that experience loss. Our goal is to encourage a shift in conversations, moving from coping to hoping. Expanding upon the crucial support offered by grief therapists and bereavement groups, we aim to enhance their compassionate care.
Everything we do is meant to be supportive of bereavement care and spiritual resilience. This means there are so many endless ways we can make an impact- we are constantly learning about new organizations we can help and making new partnerships. We are thoughtfully making decisions about where to lend support and send funds. One of the most impactful initiatives is our charity partner wish lists- who fill out a wish list form and receive comforting products that all support individuals and staff who have experienced loss