The Golden Hour Foundation, a local nonprofit founded last year to support parents, is hosting the Golden Mile on May 31 to raise money.
CEO and President Taleija Bennerson is a local mother. She had her baby three months early. She did not have the resources necessary because she was unable to make it to her baby shower.
“Thanks to the support of my local church and community, I was able to get everything I needed so I wanted to pay that forward for other moms in the area,” said Bennerson. “We help parents in need with necessary items to assist them with becoming better parents and ensuring they have what they need.”
The foundation offers item drives, mentorship, and conducts other events for moms in need. They also assist mothers postpartum or those who have “angel babies” with any needs they may have.
“We’ve hosted diapers, baby food, and formula drives. We’ve hosted a baby shower for a mother in significant need and conducted hospital visits for moms about to have a baby,” said Bennerson. “We’ve done all of this with the assistance of Sacred Heart Catholic Church but we’re continuing to look for ways to get more funding and raise awareness.”
Planning for The Golden Mile began in October and is being hosted in partnership with Georgia College, the Oconee River Greenway, and Mayor Mary Parham-Copelan. They have also received donations from Publix and Kroger for the event.
The day will begin with the one-mile walk at 11:30 a.m. Throughout the day, the foundation will host a Q&A titled “Get to Know your Local Resources,” a social hour, and a block party at the Oconee River Greenway.
“We will have a DJ playing music, popsicles, and some fruits and water for guests to enjoy. We will also have speakers at the event to inspire and share their own stories,” said Bennerson.
According to Bennerson, the foundation has impacted about 60 moms in Baldwin County and over 130 kids, including some repeats.
“We get calls from new moms in the area and current moms, and we reach out to partners to ensure they have what they need,” said Bennerson.
To learn more about The Golden Hour Foundation visit thegoldenhourfoundationinc. com. If you are in need of services, call 770-5892404 to schedule a meeting.