The Unforgettables Foundation helps families with funeral costs for a child
Founded in 1999 by Timothy Evans, The Unforgettables Foundation was launched with a mission to help low-income families unable to afford to give their children a dignified burial.
Evans had a decade of experience in clinical ministry, which often involved assisting families in crisis because of the loss of a child. Rallying medical professionals, morticians, social workers, educators and others who encountered this burden on families, Evans created a nonprofit to meet this need.
Now The Unforgettables Foundation helps over 200 families each year and supports funeral requests for children of all ages — from 18 to 28 weeks of pregnancy. Requests for aid are received directly from families in need as well as from their medical professionals, social service agencies, places of worship, hospitals and schools.
“While COVID(-19) did not increase the number of children’s deaths, where we saw the impact was with families who would not have been in need in years past,” Evans said. “There were families who struggled with the expense because of lost jobs or cut hours.”
In addition to assisting families, the foundation works to educate the community about the financial trauma often associated with the loss of a child. The organization also educates parents and caregivers on risks to children’s health, working to prevent childhood deaths. The organization’s Annual Children and Families in Crisis Conference educates community leaders, medical professionals, first responders, teachers and educators who serve children.
The organization’s eighth annual conference is virtual and will occur from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. in October. This year’s conference focuses on the unexpected consequences of COVID-19 on children’s mental health. The conference is free to the public.
“Most of us who have worked with kids believe there will likely be some rippling and long-term effects on kids because of COVID that could lead to issues down the round,” Evans said.
The Unforgettables Foundation depends on grants, donations and fundraisers to support its work. Recently, the organization received a grant from the Youth Grantmakers Program through The Inland Empire Community Foundation. The organization has fundraising events throughout the year and Evans said he was particularly excited about Dr. Randy’s Unforgettable Ride 2.0 fundraiser, which will be launching soon.
In 2001, Dr. Randy Schell, at the time a wellknown anesthesiologist at Loma Linda Hospital, rode his bicycle from Washington to Maine to raise support for the organization. Schell is now the interim chair of anesthesiology at University of Kentucky but still has a passion for the foundation’s work. On the 20th anniversary of his first ride, he will be embarking on Dr. Randy’s Unforgettable Ride 2.0. Starting in August and riding through October, Schell will be biking from the Canadian border in Washington to the Mexican border in San Diego.
Schell will be stopping in Riverside on Sept. 25 for a gala and reception celebrating his ride and The Unforgettables Foundation.
Those interested in supporting The Unforgettables Foundation can find out more at unforgettables.org.
Evans encourages the community to learn more about financial burdens families face following the loss of a child.
“Doing a simple kindness for strangers gives you satisfaction that you just can’t buy,” Evans said.
Information: unforgettables.org/ or 909-3351600