Amid the coronavirus pandemic, donors come through to support Building a Brighter Future Campaign

Each year, Oakland Family Services looks forward to its Building a Brighter Future Breakfast, which is a time for the agency to demonstrate the impact of our services, celebrate program successes with our donors and connect with new supporters to keep our programs thriving. However, like so many other things this year, the 2020 Building a Brighter Future Breakfast did not go as planned.

This year’s breakfast was originally scheduled for April 28, but was canceled due to the coronavirus. So, like nearly all of the agency’s services, the breakfast went digital — and it became the Building a Brighter Future Campaign, instead.

“In the interest of caution and safety, we had already decided to cancel our in-person event when the shut-down orders came down from the state, ” said Oakland Family Services President and CEO Jaimie Clayton. “The pandemic was not only threatening this fundraiser, but also the short- and long-term financial situation for our agency, like it was doing for all non-profits, businesses and families. The fact that so many people came through to support the work of Oakland Family Services through this campaign was so affirming and we are so thankful.”

The campaign raised a grand total of $175,184 through online and mail-in donations and pledges.

“We are incredibly grateful to all those who shared our message and supported us financially, even in the face of a rapidly changing global crisis,” said Oakland Family Services Director of Development Kristin Benton. “The support we received helps us continue to provide the prevention, education and treatment services that so many in our community regularly depend on. During a time when so many are facing uncertainty, it is inspiring to see so many friends and neighbors who continued to support our agency and the people we serve.”

Those friends and neighbors include the campaign’s sponsors: Penske. Seeds Marketing + Design, RDM Associates, Deloitte. KPMG, General Dynamics Land Systems, Creek Enterprise Inc., BHS Insurance, Sentinel Benefits Financial Group, Northern Trust, and Qualifacts.

Interested in supporting Oakland Family Services? You can make a donation at www.oaklandfamilyservices.org/donate.