IWA - 2023 Giving Back
Free Mom Hugs
Matthew Sheppard Foundation

Because of her unconditional love for her gay son, Sara Cunningham started her journey of advocacy for the LGBTQIA+ community. She founded Free Mom Hugs in 2014, and since then, thousands of parents and allies across the country have joined the movement to accept, love, and support the LGBTQIA community. Free Mom Hugs became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2018 to fight for human rights for all.

The mission of The Matthew Shepard Foundation is to amplify Matthew Shepard’s story to inspire individuals, organizations, and communities to embrace the dignity and equality of all people. Through local, regional, and national outreach,  The Matthew Shepard Foundation empowers individuals to find and use their voices to create change, and to challenge communities to identify and address the hate that lives within our schools, neighborhoods, and homes. The work is an extension of Matt’s passion to foster a more caring and just world. 


Matthew Shepard Foundation

Ric Simmons - President & Founder

IWA Giving Back To Support Change and Equality

Sharing changes lives. It costs nothing to share words of hope, love, and encouragement with each other. 

I hope you take time every day to share what is free to give but is priceless to receive: a smile, a hug, or words of encouragement can change someone’s life. Actions matter!

Giving Back

The Inclusive Wedding Alliance is actively supporting two non-profit organizations in 2023:  Free Mom Hugs and The Matthew Sheppard Foundation. Five percent of the Inclusive Wedding Alliance annual profits will be donated to each organization.

Both of these organizations contribute enormous support to the LGBTQIA+ community.

It is my honor to share the love and support that has been given to the Inclusive Wedding Alliance and me.


Free Mom Hugs

NGWA Palm Springs Chapter

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