As 2023 winds down, we've been reflecting on all the things we've accomplished here at PMA with you by our side. As Washington State's trusted resource for funeral choice, education, and advocacy, we connect with hundreds of people each month as they prepare for their own end of life or that of a loved one. It's comforting to know that even as the world changes around us, one thing remains steadfast, and that's PMA's reliability and its support to its 71,000 members and their loved ones. Let's celebrate all that we have accomplished in 2023!

Education:

This year we conducted 34 community classes on a variety of end-of-life topics. Far and away our most popular class in 2023 was Funeral Options 2.0. This session is part of our Ducks in a Row series and teaches you your rights and your options when it comes to funerals. Attendees love that we peel back the curtain, helping them learn what to expect when it comes time to arrange for someone's care. If you haven't had a chance to attend this class yet, check out this recording from a recent session we did in partnership with the Seattle Public Library.

A real highlight of PMA's year was getting to conduct our Ducks in a Row series in Chinese for the first time. We can't wait to offer the series in more languages, making sure we can empower even more Washingtonians to make informed decisions in their quest for affordable, dignified deathcare.

Getting to do in-person events again has been such a wonderful way to reconnect with our community. We had a fabulous time with you at our annual fundraiser (The After Party)! PMA members, staff, and volunteers gorged themselves on treats, were dazzled by legendary cellist Lori Goldston and contortionist Ava Marie, and had a grand old time playing carnival games in their finest Halloween costumes.

Advocacy:

We started 2023 with a letter from our Board of Directors to the Federal Trade Commission about the 2022 proposed changes to the 1984 Funeral Rule. Many, many members submitted their own letters during the open comment period in January. Chief among the proposed changes is the inclusion of a mandate that would require all funeral homes to post their General Price List (GPL) on their website.

When the opportunity arose to participate on a national stage in a panel workshop with industry representatives and consumer advocates, we jumped at the chance. Check out our Communications Manager, Beverly, in this panel on legislative changes surrounding greener funeral options. We can't wait to see what 2024 brings in terms of updating this essential federal legislation and bringing it into the 21st century!

As you know, the cost for funeral services continues to rise each year, yet the support services available to those in need are dwindling in our state. PMA was gratified to be able to help support 29 families through our Funeral Financial Assistance Fund this year. This fund remains one of the only reliable sources of support for those facing substantial financial hardship, and it is only made possible by gifts from supporters like you.

This year we increased the amount of money disbursed for each family, as well as added aquamation to the available options. We need your help to sustain this program that works toward ensuring no person has to choose between keeping a roof over their head and providing a simple, dignified goodbye to someone they love. Please give a gift of any size by visiting our website.

As a PMA member and supporter, we need your help to achieve our mission. We are only 40% of the way to our fundraising goal and we need your help to cross the finish line. Here are a few simple ways to get involved this holiday season:

GIVE: make a gift to PMA today. Our year-end fundraiser is happening now - we have until January 1st to reach our goal of raising $31,000! We are only 40% of the way to our goal so far!

SHARE: tell a friend or family member about PMA and encourage them to become a member before the price increases on January 1st You can even give them a gift membership!

LEARN: visit our website to watch one of our free or low-cost recorded classes and get your questions answered.

Wishing you and your loved ones a healthy and happy holiday season!

People's Memorial Association is the trusted resource and thought-leader for funeral choice, education, and advocacy in Washington State. We envision a future where everyone has access to after-death arrangements that reflect their personal values and resources.

People's Memorial Association | 206-325-0489 | [email protected] | www.peoplesmemorial.org