02 Apr Georgia Preschool Association Rallies Support for Atlanta RMHC

Leave it to the teachers to lead by example. Our friends at the Georgia Preschool Association (GPA) have stepped up in recent weeks to help Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

When the pandemic posed a threat to the families in our care forcing shelter in place rules for much of the state, Georgia Preschool Association began raising funds for Atlanta RMHC with one board member proposing a $500 match. The association sent a call for action to its members after Atlanta RMHC announced its urgent needs because “we knew enough to care and we cared enough to act,” says Betsy Primm, a member of the Georgia Preschool Association’s board.

“As people learn more, we are seeing increased involvement whether that includes members of GPA or individual schools,” Betsy says.

On March 31, the $500 challenge match by an anonymous Georgia Preschool Association Board member raised $1,107 to help our families.

Over the past year, Georgia Preschool Association’s support of our Houses has included Pop Tab collections in their schools, donations of much-needed Wish List items, and partnership in our Adopt-A-Room program.

For the association, the most important factor for engaging their board was timing. During its annual conference in early March, Kelly D’Adam, our Corporate and Foundation Relations Manager, shared the impact of the group’s Adopt-A-Room sponsorship on the children and families we serve.

“Adopt-A-Room sounds absolutely wonderful, but when you talk about who is being helped…it changes the situation,” Betsy says. “It creates a relationship that just absolutely motivates you to want to do more.”

Recently, the association’s executive team also voted to renew its Adopt-A-Room sponsorship for 2020. “Their generous support will have a tremendous impact on our ability to provide for ill children and their families in our care and help us ensure that they are protected and nurtured during these uncertain times,” Kelly says.

Betsy says she and other association board members will continue to become more involved and give in ways they can. “If others know Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities’ needs, they will find ways to give when they can. It’s just a matter of making it known,” Betsy says.