‘Bachelorette’ viewing party helps ‘Mamas’

Emily L. Foley is a big fan of one of summer’s favorite TV indulgences, “The Bachelorette.” Her love for the show and passion to give back inspired her to create a fundraising event that revolved around the show and raise money for a deserving charity.

She hosted the fifirst Ultimate Bachelorette Viewing Party last year that brought together the cast and fans of the show, and Helping Mamas, a local nonprofit that supports mothers and children.

“As soon as I heard about Helping Mamas, I was amazed by the work they do. One in three mothers in the Atlanta area have to choose between diapers or food for their children, and Helping Mamas is the only baby item-exclusive bank in the Atlanta area,” said Foley, beauty expert and The Ultimate Bachelorette Viewing Party planner.

Founded in 2014 by two social workers who recognized a gap in services for women and children, Helping Mamas has become the baby supply bank for Metro Atlanta.

“There are hundreds of organizations that provide direct service to families liv- ing in poverty, and almost all of them list baby supplies as their biggest needs,” said Jamie Lackey, co-founder and CEO of Helping Mamas.

But there was no coordinate def ff ff ff ff ff fort to collect and distribute essential baby items.

“Being a parent is hard, but even harder for those who can’t access basic needs. Our vision was to create a place that families could come together to volunteer and donate to families who needed help,” said Lackey.

Helping Mamas collects and distributes essential baby items to organizations that serve women and children living in poverty. It serves over 90 agencies throughout metro Atlanta and over 15,000children living in poverty. The organization is utilized by huge organizations like CHOA and the Atlanta Mission, as well as local case workers.

To continue supporting Helping Mamas, Foley will be hosting the second Ultimate Bachelorette Viewing Party on July 9th at The Garage at Georgia Tech. The fundraising event raisedover $12,000 last year for the organization that supported Helping Mamas to serve over 15,000 children.

“This fundraiser will help us secure the necessary space to move to a larger warehouse and help us reach our goal of serving 30,000 children in2018,” added Lackey.

Foley and Lackey encourage the community to help the organization year round to serve low-income families in need. Families, individ---

uals and groups can volunteer at the Helping Mamas warehouse or host a drive to collect diapers, books, toys and more. Businesses can also hold a diaper drive and individuals can throw “baby showers” to collect diapers that are donated to Helping Mamas.

“Most of us are very fortunate and don’t realize just how much need there is all around us. Andas far as helping children — they are our future!” shared Foley. “As far as this event, there is nothing better than being able to have a fantastic time and help

others at the same time.” Information: https://ultimate bachelor et te viewingparty.eventbrite.com and www.helpingmamas.org

Volunteers collect diapers forHelpingMamas, a local organization that provides diapers and other necessary items tomothers in need. TheUltimate Bachelorette Viewing Party supports and fundraises forHelpingMamas.