Does this title offend you?
Well good.
It is supposed to offend you because the reality it represents is offensive.
Molly shouldn’t be dead.
When we settled our “situation” surrounding Molly’s death we received a sum of money. While it was a significant amount, it is far less than most people assume. It also came with a price tag that renders it valueless.
It is hush money.
When I wrote Motherland the entire middle section of the book was called “A Strange Kind of Justice”. All but two small chapters were removed. The information therein would violate the terms of my “agreement”.
Hush money.
When I get treated at the hospital involved in the “situation” and I mention Molly’s name, I often get a reprimand from the lawyers involved. In the months leading up to my book publication the warnings were nonstop.
Hush money.
Once we had paid off some debts and settled into the reality that Molly was for sure never coming back, the money loomed heavy. What do we do now?
The first thing we did was give a sizable sum of money to RB Productions. Molly’s first play was the summer of 2014 RB production of Fiddler on the Roof. It was a life changing week, not only for Molly, but for all of us. I wanted to make sure RB never went away.
Dead Molly Money.
Since 2019 I have used this to pay for over $50,000 worth of beautiful t-shirts for not only RB but also The Children’s Theater Project, Rundlett Middle School’s Performance Ensemble Group and The C.A.S.T. Program at concord High School.
I have used it to award roughly $60,000 in tuition scholarships for local children to Concord Dance Academy, RB Summer Theater, Children’s Theater Project, and NH Academie of Dance. “MollyB” has supported The Robotics Club at the high school, Music programs for the Concord School District, Community Dance Shows at The City Auditorium, while also purchasing instruments for local elementary schools.
Finally, “Molly” has awarded $6000 in Spirit of MollyB Awards, as well as $52,000 in scholarships for graduating seniors at Concord High School.
Don’t get me wrong. We have also raised some money. Through t-shirt sales and me donating the profits from Barb’s Track Camp. We have also received donations and sponsorships from several local businesses and dance schools.
Dead Molly Money.
So, here’s the thing about a finite amount of money. It will eventually run out.
Here’s the thing about Dead Molly Money, when you give it to others so it can bring the happiness Molly so fervently wanted to share, it becomes less ugly.
And finally, here’s the thing about a 501c3 non-profit. They should last forever. When I meet my maker, Gracie should have a foundation to take over that by that time have invested millions of dollars helping all manner of children find happiness.
MollyB Foundation Money.
It is time for MollyB to become The MollyB Foundation. The scholarships and gifts that once felt like they came from Molly are ready to become investments that come from what Molly’s Foundation represents ad inspires, giving everyone who desires a chance to fulfill their purpose.
With a board of directors comprised of amazing people who knew and loved Molly, and a couple that only knew of her, we are poised to take those next steps. To create events that not only provide community connections, but that also raise money.
The MollyB Foundation Fundraising Extravaganza will be the first such event. The Capitol Center for the Arts will host this event where three long-time contributors to programs and people that provide young people opportunities in the performing arts will be recognized with The Spirit of MollyB Award. There will be local youth performers in music, dance and theater, there will be delicious food, beverages for adults and pizza for children. Nazzy will provide entertainment on the dance floor.
We will also begin an earnest campaign to secure corporate sponsorship not only for this event, but for the foundation as well. While it is hard for me to feel like I am “letting go” of Molly, I am comforted by the reality that her legacy, shared through The MollyB Foundation will actually keep her here forever.
Clicking on the Extravaganza link will take you to the event page, and if you want a deeper dive into what the foundation does, click on that link. Molly accomplished a lot in her 13 years, one month and two days on the planet, her foundation has the chance to accomplish a whole lot more.