Every year, RCM&D chooses well-deserving local nonprofit organizations to be the recipients of our year-round fundraising and volunteer initiatives. The result of these endeavors is commemorated during our annual Regatta event, a delightful waterfront festivity hosted at the picturesque Inner Harbor in Baltimore. Mark your calendars for this year’s occasion on Friday, September 20. As we approach this year’s celebration, we will shine a spotlight on our chosen beneficiaries, showcasing the incredible impact they make within our communities daily.
About the Brandon Tolson Foundation
The Brandon Tolson Foundation, established by Jon and Candi Tolson after the tragic loss of their son, Brandon, strives to provide emotional support and financial relief to families who have lost a child.
Jon and Candi honor Brandon’s mantra “Don’t waste Your Life” by transforming their personal grief into a mission of helping others restore hope and healing in their brokenness. Candi stated, “little did Jon and I know the impact of those words in our lives and in a few short months, the Brandon Tolson Foundation would be born. Our lives had a new purpose – to bring a place of hope to others who have gotten that knock on their front door.”
Building a Community of Hope
The support of the Brandon Tolson Foundation is communicated to families in need mainly through word-of-mouth within the community. Once a family makes contact with the foundation, they are welcomed into an environment that extends hope and support through all aspects from the initial processes and planning, to forming bonds that will nurture a sense of healing and strength moving forward.
Brandon Tolson Foundation offers:
- Financial assistance to ease the unexpected hardships associated with the loss of a child, including funeral costs and related expenses, as well as GoFundMe fundraising assistance.
- A network of professional services and support care at a discounted fee, including therapists, pastoral services, grocery delivery, meal coordination, funeral, legal and financial advisors, and more.
- The opportunity to interact with like-hearted families and find fellowship with others who understand what they are experiencing.
Nick, Maise and the Neppach Family stated, “words cannot express our gratitude for the support [the Brandon Tolson Foundation has] offered us. We are so grateful for the financial support [the foundation was] able to offer to cover Lucy’s funeral expenses, and especially Maisie’s parent’s airfare out here and back to Texas. I also appreciated the time [the Brandon Tolson Foundation] took to talk to me and share some of your experiences, that was so helpful.”
Community Events
The organization will be sure to celebrate the life of each individual child in a way to remember, honor and find comfort in their life well-lived, through memorializing and family & community events, including:
- Evan Blood Memorial Concert | Saturday, September 7, 2024
This annual event, held at the Wilson Point Men’s Club helps to honor Evan Blood and raise awareness about fentanyl and the risks it poses. - Brandon Tolson Foundation Golf Outing | Monday, September 23, 2024
To assist with fundraising, this event is held annually at the Winters Run Golf Club. Food and drinks are provided, and sponsorship opportunities are available. - Bel Air First Fridays | Friday, October 4, 2024
First Fridays in Bel Air is brought to the community by The Bel Air Downtown Alliance, offering a block party, local live music, food trucks, artisan vendors and more. The Alliance chooses a non-profit for each month to receive all of the tips in the tip jars, and BTF is the chosen non-profit for the October 4th event. - Black Tie Gala | Saturday, November 2, 2024
The 2nd annual Black Tie Gala, “Glitter & Gold on the Green” will take place at the Hunt Valley Country Club, including a seated dinner, open bar, guest speakers, dancing, door prizes and more. Tickets are available to purchase, and sponsorship opportunities are also available. - Annual Bull & Shrimp Roast | Friday, April 25, 2024
This fundraising event provides an opportunity to network with the community while enjoying delicious food and beverages.
Consider Sponsoring BTF
In order to assist the Brandon Tolson Foundation to continue fulfilling their mission, they rely on the support of their sponsors. To learn more about the current sponsors, and for more information in how to get involved, click here.
Learn More
Should you know of a family in need or if you have any questions or comments, please contact the Brandon Tolson Foundation to help support those grieving the loss of a child. Visit their website to learn more.