Funeral Home Launches ‘End of the World’ Preplan Campaign | FFFW 223

DISCLAIMER: None of the F’s in FFFW stand for “facts.”

Wow- we are officially past the first month of 2025. Kinda wild. Only eleven more months to go.

I have this really bad habit of trying to “get through” the years. But you know what’s wild? There’s always another one there just waiting for us. So, I’m trying to enjoy this one.

Days until the Chiefs win the Big Game: 9

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Asteroid Heading for Earth—Humanity Panics, Funeral Directors See Opportunity

The year is 2425, and Earth’s luck has finally run out. A mountain-sized asteroid, moving at ridiculous, civilization-ending speeds, is set to obliterate life as we know it. Governments have collapsed, billionaires have fled to Mars, and the rest of humanity is hoarding canned goods in underground bunkers.

But while the world spirals into chaos, funeral directors remain laser-focused—on pre-need sales.

“If society’s ending, you’d better believe we’re going out with record-breaking contracts,” said one funeral home owner, launching their ‘Impact-Proof Pre-Plan Special.’ “We can’t stop the asteroid, but we can make sure your arrangements are in order.”

Marketing campaigns are flooding the airwaves. “No Matter What Happens, Your Final Wishes Should Be Respected.” “Avoid the Last-Minute Rush—Pre-Plan Before Impact.” Even a BOGO deal: “Reserve One, Get a Second Burial Free (for a Friend, or Just in Case).”

As the asteroid looms larger in the sky, scientists warn of imminent planetary devastation. Funeral pros, however, remain calm. “Look, the asteroid might wipe out all of human civilization,” one director admitted. “But if there’s even one survivor, we want to be their funeral home of choice.”

No refunds, obviously.

Trivia

The Philadelphia Eagles have advanced to the NFL championship! So … how many bald eagles would it take to pick up a 500-pound casket?

Select the correct answer, and you’ll get a GIF of an otter. Select the wrong one, and you’ll get a GIF of someone hurting themselves.

Answer Choices:

A) 80

B) 120

C) 160

You Otter Be Proud

Here’s some good news going on in the profession.

1. Wilson Funeral Home director honored for organ donor support
2. Old Lick Cemetery in Roanoke cleaned, repaired with help of national expert
3. Fifth-generation funeral director Jeff Monreal helps families grieve, celebrate loved ones

ICCFA Educational Foundation Underwrites Children’s Grief PSA Campaign

Campaign Will Generate Awareness for the National Alliance for Children’s Grief Organization

March 5, 2024:  The National Alliance for Children’s Grief (NACG), in partnership with the ICCFA Educational Foundation, has launched a PSA campaign designed to inspire conversation about and drive passion for the issue of children’s grief in the United States.  The PSAs, created pro bono by Chad Vriezelaar of Go Live Media Group, show the faces of children’s grief through short, close-up vignettes. 

“Childhood bereavement is a concern for all communities across the nation. Experiencing the death of family members and others has a lasting effect on the child’s well-being now and in the future,” commented Vicki Jay, CEO of NACG. “These PSAs are a way of investing in the lives of children, adults, our communities, and the nation.  I am thankful that the ICCFA Educational Foundation has funded this important initiative.”

The campaign is patterned after the successful ICCFA Educational Foundations’s Final Responders PSAs that reached 127 million Americans and generated more than $6 million in earned media value throughout 2021 and 2022.  Current board member Jim Price, senior vice president of industry relations at Johnson Consulting Group, spearheaded the project for the National Alliance for Children’s Grief as he did for the ICCFA Educational Foundation’s Final Responders campaign.

“Many of our members assist the local support centers of the National Alliance for Children’s Grief in their communities,” commented Gino Marindino, president of the ICCFA Educational Foundation,  “This project allows us to build more broadly on this association on a national level.”

Each year, millions of children have a parent, brother, or sister die.  Grief can be hard, so these children need the support of people who care. The National Alliance for Children’s Grief (NACG) provides education and resources to anyone who wants to support them, especially children.

“As the proud sponsor of Roberta’s House, a family grief support center in Baltimore, MD, the March Funeral Homes know firsthand the effects of grief on children, teens, and adults,” added Annette March-Grier, co-founder of Roberta’s House and NACG Board Member.  “I am honored that the ICCFA Educational Foundation is supporting this effort to create awareness for children’s grief.”

The PSAs can be viewed at the NACG website –  https://nacg.org/nacg-psa/. 

About the National Alliance for Children’s Grief: The National Alliance for Children’s Grief is the only professional member organization specifically addressing issues about childhood bereavement and is comprised of a nationwide network of professionals, institutions, and volunteers who promote best practices, educational programming, and critical resources to facilitate the mental, emotional, and physical health of grieving children and their families.  Learn more at www.nacg.org.

About the ICCFA Educational Foundation:  The ICCFA Educational Foundation is a 501(c)(3) entity, and part of the International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association (ICCFA).  The foundation’s sole purpose is to make education accessible to future leaders in the death care profession, thereby raising the standards of professionalism within the industry. The non-profit foundation supports the giving portion of ICCFA with the motto of “making education accessible to our profession’s future leaders.”