When Greg DeLoach blows out his 50 candles this year, he's hoping his birthday wish to help the developmentally disabled and their families will come true.
"On June 20 I will mark a half-century traversing this good earth, and I want you to celebrate with me," he wrote in a June 8 blog post.
"Instead of the usual cards, well-wishes, and so on, I would like for you to give me a gift ... but not just any gift," wrote DeLoach, who lives in Roswell. "I am asking for all of my friends to make a donation to an organization that I care deeply about because it serves people I care deeply about: Developmental Disabilities Ministries (DDM)."
Norcross-based DDM is a nonprofit organization that helps adults with developmental disabilities and their families.
DeLoach, who is president of DDM, has more than 2,000 Facebook friends and challenged them to give as little as $25 each, with a goal of raising $50,000 for the organization.
"Serving persons with developmental disabilities is a privilege because it allows me to be with people who are often ignored, neglected, or, worse, forgotten," he wrote.
DDM has a stated mission "to empower persons with developmental disabilities to achieve their highest level of social, physical, emotional and spiritual maturity."
It owns and operates 19 group homes throughout Georgia, with residents ranging in age from 22 to 79.
In serving the developmentally disabled, DDM also serves their families in many ways.
When parents can no longer care for their adult child or when parents feel it is time for their child to be independent, DDM helps them with this transition. The organization helps manage diets, medicines, employment, recreation and transportation.
"We work with families to help advocate the dignity and respect each resident deserves through providing a supportive environment that is developmentally appropriate," DeLoach said.
"For parents," he said, "this is not merely 'relief' but a way to help their adult children achieve their potential."
Approaching his birthday, DeLoach wrote: "A half-century is not nearly enough time to celebrate life. It would honor me greatly if you would help me celebrate my 50th by raising $50,000. Together we can do this!
"I have been greatly blessed throughout my life and I want to give generously until the very end."
You can donate online, or you can mail your donation to: DDM, 6320 Amherst Court, Norcross, Ga. 30092. All gifts are tax-deductible. http://ddmga.org
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