(pictured: Charles Fletcher, Mary Ann Lefoldt)
“It’s a beautiful and wonderful way to remember my granddaughter,” says Charles Fletcher, the grandfather of McClean Fletcher.
The Heartstrings Gala is the McClean Fletcher Center’s annual and primary fundraiser that supports the McClean Fletcher Center in Jackson. Established in 1999, the Center provides grief support to children who have experienced the loss of a loved one. The tradition of the annual Heartstrings Gala began in 2002 when Mary Ann Lefoldt (President of the McClean Fletcher Advisory Board) and fellow board members began seeking creative ways to raise money to support the McClean Fletcher Center. The gala is held every year around Valentine’s Day in the home of someone in the Jackson area.
“So many times when there’s a loss, an event like this begins and this fizzles out over time. That’s not what has happened with this event. It just gets bigger every year and it warms our family’s heart to see our daughter and granddaughter being remembered every year around Valentine’s Day,” says Charles.
The success of the event is due to the uniqueness of the McClean Fletcher Center. It’s the only grief center for children of its kind in Mississippi and supporters of all ages want to see the Center thrive and continue to serve.
“McClean was a special young lady, and it’s fitting that something as wonderful as this center is named for her.” – Charles Fletcher.