66ers Help the Unforgettables Throw an Unforgettable Birthday Bash

Baseball lovers and The Unforgettables Foundation supporters filed into the San Manuel Baseball Stadium last Monday night, July 22, for a bit of America’s favorites: hamburgers, hot dogs, cake, a baseball game and a good cause. The Unforgettables Foundation (TUF) co-founder Chaplain Tim Evans celebrated his 55th birthday (he officially turned 55 last Wednesday, July 24) and the organization’s 14th anniversary surrounded by co-workers, peers and TUF supporters with a baseball bash, raising money for TUF, a non-profit organization that helps families provide dignified burials for their children who have passed away. The 66ers and Angels baseball also honored Evans as the Wells Fargo Hometown Hero that evening. “This is such a nice honor that the 66ers and Angels baseball are giving to The Unforgettables and to me,” said Evans last Monday. Ticket holders celebrated the event with Evans and TUF beginning at 5:30 last Monday evening, where they enjoyed all-you-can-eat hamburgers, hot dogs, BBQ chicken, potato salad, baked beans, chips and refreshments. Ticket holders also received a souvenir T-shirt and a hard seat to the game, where the Inland Empire 66ers took on the Lake Elsinore Storm. “Birthday cake, baseball and benefiting charity is what the night is about,” said Evans. The goal was to raise $5,500. As celebrants gathered at a picnic area located just inside the stadium’s gateway, Evans addressed his guests and thanked them for their support. Evans also announced the donation of $10,000 to The Unforgettables Foundation from OneLegacy Foundation, a nonprofit organ and tissue recovery organization that serves the greater Los Angeles area. “It’s a pleasure to support The Unforgettables Foundation, because what they do is very complementary to our mission,” said Anne Grey, OneLegacy’s Charitable Contributions executive director. “You guys have helped a lot of families in this area.” Many had birthday wishes to share with Evans, and his work for TUF. “This is a great birthday present, for him to share with everybody and raise money,” said Connie Anderson, Mountain View Dignity Memorial General Manager. The business has worked with Evans and TUF in the past, and sponsors some of TUF fundraising events. Dave and Bonnie Radimaker were two other guests who came out to enjoy the birthday bash. They knew Evans when he worked as a clergyman at Loma Linda University Medical Center, providing families with counseling services. “What he’s doing tonight is great. We love him and his work,” Dave stated. Stan Morrison, a member of The Unforgettables Foundation board, and his wife Jessica also wished Evans a happy birthday and praised him for his work. “Tim, we’re so proud of you. Your service to mankind delivers one of the most compelling messages that society can handle,” said Stan. Evans and TUF first chair Dr. Tom Sherwin, M.D.—a pediatric surgeon at Loma Linda University Medical Center who also celebrated his birthday that evening—threw the night’s opening pitch. Founded in 1999, The Unforgettables Foundation assists with funeral services for families who have lost children aged 30 weeks of gestation up to 18 years of age. Medical professionals, educators, social workers, morticians and other community members volunteer their time to provide families with dignified burials. In its 14 years of service, TUF has helped approximately 4,000 families throughout San Bernardino, Riverside and Orange Counties. The organization helps some 250 families with financial services each year. The Unforgettables Foundation has been listed by eHow.com as one of the organizations that can help in the time of such a devastating tragedy. The organization was named in 2010 by People Magazine and Major League Baseball® as one of 90 All Stars Among Us for its work. Following the game, birthday celebrants ran the bases and received a coupon for a free chicken sandwich from Chic-fil-A. Evans’s time around the bases was under 18 seconds.