First Annual MollyB Foundation Gala

As a child I yearned for connection.

Great opening line, right?? All people yearn for connections. We are not meant to be alone. We are not solitary beings.

I was one of those kids who had a different activity every day after school. Violin, girl scouts, church choir, and then swim team at night. While all of these things were amazing, it was running that truly captivated me. I found my people.

If only it were that simple. I also loved to dance and act. The Wizard of Oz, Oliver, Bus Stop, A Chorus Line, Trial by Jury, Pirates of Penzance and Mary Poppins. My theater resume’. I danced as well. Just ask Sue Sartorelli, she’ll tell you!

So why am I boring you with all of my 50-year-old memories?

The MollyB Foundation, that’s why.

I created this non-profit in the year after Molly died. Back then it was all about remembering Molly. I mean, it still is but there has been a shift.

Now, it is as much about what her foundation represents as it is about her.

We held a Sweet 16 for Molly in 2019. That party was amazing. Hundreds of people came. We sang happy birthday. There were pictures of Molly everywhere. It was just what we needed. It was all about Molly.

So now we are hosting a 21st celebration for her. Same venue. Same DJ. Same vendors. I announced at Molly’s Sweet 16 that I would throw her a 21st! And so, I am.

Now here comes the shift.

Molly’s 21st Birthday Gala, while being a recognition of what would have been a big celebration for her, is not just about her. It is an announcement. It is a proclamation. It is a realization. Her foundation and all it represents, the young people it helps, the opportunities it creates, the purpose if fulfills.

I want this currently local non-profit organization to actually transform into a real live foundation one day. An organization with a large endowment, business sponsorships, and long-term security. A century from now I want to look down from heaven and see The MollyB Foundation supporting children in the arts.

The upcoming 21st Birthday Gala is my first of what I am sure will be a thousand tiny steps toward this goal.

One of the last conversations I had with Molly was on her way to school. She always hated eating lunch in the cafeteria. Although she had friends across all of the social groups, she never felt like she fit in. She did not share this anxiety with me, ever. It guts me sometimes.

On this particular ride to Rundlett, on what would be one of her last days of school she shared that she had found her place. Her people. It was theater. She also said that she felt lucky that she would not be bound to one table in the cafeteria. That she had no allegiance to one particular social group.

Theater gave her the confidence to see that she had friends everywhere.

I replied that it took me until my senior year to come to this exact realization.

So, The MollyB Foundation, and all it can and will do for young people was actually born on a sunny April day in 2016. Who knew.

So here we are, eight years since her death, celebrating all that she gained from her positive experiences in theater, dance and music. Hoping to bring these opportunities to young people for years to come. Keeping both Molly (and her purpose) alive and well.

Please come to Molly’s 21st Gala and be a part of her future, or just come and have a good time. Or both!

Along with music from Nazzy’s DJ Company there will be food from Alan’s Restaurant and Constantly Pizza. There will be Queen City Cupcakes (six delicious flavors!). A cash bar for the grownups! I must admit it is hard to picture Molly being old enough to count as a grown-up.

We will be showcasing young performers from local dance, theater, and music communities. Children you might even know. They will sing and dance their love of community, performing, and (even though they may not know it), Molly.

I have included ticket link above, but you can also pay at the door. A mere $30 donation gives you good food, good company, and live entertainment from a handful of local singers, dancers and thespians.

May 18th, 6-10pm, Capital Center for the Arts.

Be there!