The Joyful Child Foundation

The Joyful Child Foundation is an example of how a tragedy can produce widespread positive change. During the summer of 2002, Erin Runnion lost her 5-year old daughter, Samantha, at the hands of a stranger. She was kidnapped outside her home, assaulted and murdered by a pedophile. Turning her grief into action, Erin dedicated her life to stopping crimes against children.

As a company with many working parents who were deeply affected by her loss, RiechesBaird contacted Erin to offer our support in any way possible. Her cause became ours. Ray Baird assisted Erin with the formation of the foundation’s board of directors and became its president. Moreover, he developed the foundation’s strategic direction based on Erin’s input, and then prioritized and focused its mission. RiechesBaird gladly offered our creative services, developing all of the foundation’s launch materials. Our director of public relations served as the foundation’s spokesperson during the trial of Samantha’s killer. And many agency personnel volunteer at the foundation’s numerous events throughout the year.

The Joyful Child Foundation is growing rapidly and it has several charter programs that are expanding nationwide. We invite all of our friends, partners and associates to help protect children everywhere by supporting The Joyful Child Foundation. Learn more by visiting www.thejoyfulchild.org.