Giving Day 2026 is almost here (Wednesday 4/22) and once again I’m asking for you to join me in supporting the Families Forward mission to prevent and end family homelessness by providing access to housing & resources that create lasting stability.
Every year my fundraising goal is $1.00 more than we raised the previous year so this year our goal is $8,680! It’s a very ambitious goal but it’s your “fault” for helping raise last year's total!😁 I realize not everyone is able to donate (EVERY donation is appreciated!!) but equally as important is to SPREAD THE WORD to family, friends, coworkers, even strangers (future friends? 😄). Also, please remember to ask if the company you work for or organization you're affiliated with is able to match your donation!! Donations made on Giving Day are also eligible for matches from companies and other individuals!
Additionally, FF CEO Madelynn Hirneise will soon be undertaking a new challenge and leadership opportunity at another organization that also provides services to those in need. In recognition of her years (and years and years 😁) of leadership and friendship, I’m dedicating my fundraising efforts to Maddie. So, if you’ve previously supported FF on Giving Day or I’ve persuaded you to be a 1st timer please consider adding a little extra this Giving Day in recognition of Maddie’s extraordinary efforts to Help Them Home!
THIS YEAR THERE WILL BE A DIFFERENT DUAL INCENTIVE/MATCH...
1. As I did last year, I will match 100% of the largest individual donation (last year that was $1500!) made on my page on Giving Day AND
2. I will match an additional 20% of all other individual donations (62 donors last year) on my page . Donate $10 and I add another $2, donate $100 and I add another $20, etc. - the rest of the math is up to you!💰😉
So…on Wednesday, 4/22/26 please donate if you can and share this info and this link with as many others as possible...
https://help-them-home-giving-day.ocnonprofitcentral.org/campaigns/ricks-fundraiser
Thanks for your support…past, present, and future!
Best,
Rick
Together we grow, together we thrive
With your support to Families Forward during Help Them Home 2026, more children and families experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity will have access to the resources they need to blossom.
All across our region, families of all shapes and sizes are working to find and maintain stable housing—overcoming the lack of affordable housing and the high cost of living in Orange County. Families Forward's team of dedicated staff, volunteers, supporters, and board members envision a future where every local family has a home and the opportunity to thrive. Guided by this vision, we work to tackle the pervasive issue of homelessness for families with children, and improve the lives of more than 17,000 of our neighbors last year. From providing food assistance, career coaching, mental health counseling, to financial literacy education, we’re as committed to strengthening overall well-being as we are to ensuring everyone has a place to call home, grow and blossom into success, and thrive.