We have been amazed by the level of support we have received and the number of people who have attended the IRIS Turkey Trot the last two years. We know that this event cannot take place without the help and donations from generous people and businesses – which is why we are reaching out to you now…
This November, the 3rd Annual IRIS Turkey Trot will take place in Faribault, MN to benefit Infants Remembered in Silence (IRIS). The goal of this event is to raise awareness of the support and advocacy services provided by IRIS, and raise much needed funds to support this nonprofit 501(c)3 organization that is funded 100-percent through donations and memorials. Last year our Turkey Trot was a success with nearly 1,000 people participating on Thanksgiving morning in the freezing cold weather. We raised $30,000 with the generous support of businesses like yours. This year, with your help we hope to raise even more funds to support this important organization.
IRIS was founded in 1987 by Diana Sundwall, after the stillbirth of her son. Today IRIS is dedicated to offering support, education and resources on the death of a child in early pregnancy, or from premature birth, stillbirth, neo-natal death, birth defects, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), accident, illness and all other types of infant and early childhood death.
IRIS serves a six county area in SE Minnesota including – Dodge, LeSueur, Goodhue, Rice, Steele, and Waseca counties– and also provides services around the world through the resources on the IRIS website. On average, IRIS assists 7,000 people a year, and for each child that dies IRIS spends approximately $450 in the first year following the death. These numbers add up, and in order to continue to provide quality service –fundraisers like the IRIS 5k Turkey Trot are necessary.
We have developed a variety of sponsorship levels (see attached), and we hope that you will consider sponsoring this very special event. Your support will help increase awareness of the valuable services that IRIS provides, and ensure that these important IRIS services are continued and expanded – so no family has to go through the pain of loss alone. Please consider sending a check to IRIS to support the cause and to sponsor for this event.
We hope that no one has to experience the loss of a child – but the reality is that it happens. Fortunately, IRIS is here to help families grieve and remember. Thank you for your generosity and consideration. For more information about IRIS and about the 3rd Annual Turkey Trot, please visit the IRIS website at www.irisRemembers.com
If you would like more information on the IRIS 5K Turkey Trot, Kids Gobble Wabbel and Trot Trot please feel free to contact us at [email protected] or by phone at 507.334.4748
Diana Sundwall – IRIS Founder and Executive Director
Deanna Kuennen – Turkey Trot Chairperson
