The name of local nonprofit Mamie’s Poppy Plates is quite memorable—fitting for an organization inspired by one very memorable baby.

Founder Sarah Bussey Adams’ daughter, Mamie, was delivered stillborn on June 23, 2009. It is in memorial of Mamie that Adams created the donation-supported nonprofit with the unforgettable handle and a mission to provide tangible mementos to Arkansas families who are grieving a stillbirth or infant death.

“When I got home from the hospital I found an ornament that I had saved for Mamie to put her footprints on,” Adams said. “I was so mad at myself for not telling someone to bring the ornament to the hospital. I thought of how nice it would be to give every family that goes through this horrible loss something beautiful to remember their baby by.

"So many people want to share their babies with others, but they just don’t feel comfortable having pictures in their house.”

The ornament keepsake idea evolved into a personalized plate customized with each baby’s birth stats and foot prints, along with a beautiful rim color and design—it’s something that parents can display year-round.

“For so long after Mamie died, I felt lost. I prayed daily for guidance on what to do; what was God’s plan for me? I listened, and now I feel so fulfilled,” Adams said. “Mamie is making a difference in these families’ lives.”

Here’s more about this special organization and its upcoming event from the founder herself:

Little rock Family: What has the response been like to the plates?

Sarah Bussey Adams: The responses we get are overwhelming. They bring a smile, but also tears. Often after a plate is picked up, the family will reach out to us through email, Facebook or letters. They thank us for what we are doing and how we are carrying on Mamie’s legacy. It brings peace to my heart.

Tell us about Mamie’s Poppy Plates’ new event?

Race to Remember is our first-ever 5K fun run/walk, to be held on Mamie’s third birthday weekend and on our nonprofit’s second anniversary. It will be our biggest event yet. It’s going to be a night race with a party afterwards. Everyone that comes can recognize their baby or a baby of someone that they know with a blue, pink or white biodegradable balloon release at the beginning of the race. After the race, there will be a band, good food, bounce houses and more.

What are your hopes for this event?

We hope to create awareness for Mamie’s Poppy Plates and our mission, along with raising money so we can continue to grow. All of the proceeds from all of our events go straight back into funding plates at Arkansas hospitals. We are currently in 10 hospitals around the state, and we hope to expand into every hospital that has a NICU and/or delivers babies. We want everyone to receive these plates; just $15 will provide a plate for a family in Arkansas that experiences a loss.

Race to Remember 5K Run/Walk
Saturday, June 23, 6 p.m.
Two Rivers Park, Little Rock
$25 advance/ $30 race day; children ages 12 and under $5
MamiesPoppyPlates.com

Run solo or form a team to walk or run in memory of a lost child. Honor a loved one by participating in the biodegradable balloon release at the start of the race. The evening will conclude with food, live music and activities for children of all ages—including face painting and bounce houses.