Spotlight On Maryland-Brandon Tolson Foundation (BTF)

Rich and Julie Blood in Studio Talking About BTF's Evan Blood Memorial Concert Raising Fentanyl Awareness
Julie Blood & Brandon Tolson Foundation Rich Blood with Gina Crash
Julie Blood & BTF Board Member Rich Blood with Gina Crash Photo credit Maria Dennis

This week on Spotlight On Maryland, Gina Crash was joined in studio by Brandon Tolson Foundation, (BTF), Board Member Rich Blood, his wife Julie and BTF Executive Director Pam Long via phone to talk about their upcoming Evan Blood Memorial Concert Raising Fentanyl Awareness on Saturday, September 7th at Wilson Point Men's Club in Middle River. Rich and Julie became BTF parents when they lost their son Evan in 2019 from a fentanyl overdose. Candi & John Tolson founded the Forest Hill-based non-profit organization that provides support for the sudden & tragic loss of a child in 2017 to honor their son Brandon who died in a car accident in 2016.

Pam talked about how BTF recently updated their mission and vision statements to reflect their growth and renewed commitment to supporting families in need. As they evolve as a foundation, it's important to revisit their vision and the ways they provide support to families who have lost a child. BTF assists with the finances of funerals, lost wages and medical expenses, guidance with handling accounts/loans, resources for therapy, support meetings and gatherings and special ways to remember our children. To date, BTF has supported over 250 families!

Rich and Julie talked about their son Evan and how he and his love of music is the inspiration for the 2nd annual Evan Blood Memorial Concert coming up Saturday, September 7th from Noon-6, (doors open at 11am), rain or shine at Wilson Point Men's Club located on the water in Middle River. You can purchase tickets and find out more about BTF on their website brandontolsonfoundation.org. You can also follow them on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn and YouTube.

Click the media player below to listen to the interview and learn more.

Featured Image Photo Credit: Maria Dennis