4 Major Events in 15 Short Days

The Unforgettables Foundation (TUF) has just completed an unforgettable February fundraising stretch run of unparalleled proportion in local charity. From Feb. 5 to 19, the Redlands-based regional charity that is small in staff but big in heart, successfully presented and sold out four major events across Inland SoCal. Starting with the Unforgettable Night of Laughter with lead comedian Elayne Boosler at the Mission Inn in Riverside on Friday Feb. 5; then the Super Bowl Sunday Golf Tournament at the General Old Golf Course in the Riverside/Moreno Valley area; next the Redlands 5th Annual Unforgettable Hearts Awards of the Inland Empire luncheon with Senator Mike Morrell as the keynote speaker on Feb. 12; followed by the Inaugural Unforgettable Hearts Awards of the High Desert lunch featuring Congressman Paul Cook and Assemblyman Jay Obernolte in Apple Valley where over 750 guests and supporters contributed to and celebrated the TUF mission. This is an amazing accomplishment for a non-profit with only one full-time staffer. Almost 50 dedicated volunteers staffed the four events over the hectic 15-day stretch. One example of this is Lori O'Connor and Christine Beamer of Yucaipa, joined with disabled minority business owner veteran Virgal Woolfolk of Menifee, to plan and present the crowd-pleasing comedy night to aid military families who've lost a child. Riverside attorney Mike Goldware was the committee volunteer chair and Riverside banker Stan Morrison served as emcee, while State Senator Richard Roth and Assemblywoman Melissa Melendez served as hosts. Founder and CEO of TUF Tim Evans said, "We are able to help so many because of the helping hands of so many dedicated volunteers. We have wonderful supporters." The charity, which has just opened a chapter in Las Vegas, covers all Riverside, Orange and San Bernardino counties. Evans says, "When board members drive 60 miles to serve as greeters, servers, set up teams, and the take down squads that far from home, you know that the cause is important to them." The credibility added by a long list of local political leaders who participate is also very impressive and valuable. Over the past five years, TUF has helped, on average, 250 families who have been devastated by the death of a child from birth to 18 years of age. For more information on the cause or how to donate or for registration to the Children & Families in Crisis Conference in Palm Desert at Cal State University San Bernardino on April 22 - call the TUF office at (909) 355-1600.