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Written by: E. George
Published November 13, 2024 @ 2:15 PM ET
FULTON COUNTY, Ga. – The Atlanta Women’s Foundation (AWF) made history last week by raising a record $1.75 million at its annual Numbers Too Big to Ignore fundraiser, held at the Georgia World Congress Center. This remarkable achievement will directly benefit local nonprofits in metro Atlanta that provide vital services to women and girls. These nonprofits focus on a variety of important issues, including education, housing, mental and physical health services, and workforce readiness training.
A significant portion of the funds raised came from a generous donation by the Coca-Cola Foundation, which helped push the total amount raised to an all-time high. The contributions will support organizations that empower women and girls in the region, helping to address critical needs and foster long-term positive change.
The highlight of the evening was the keynote speech delivered by Molly Shannon, the beloved comedian and actress best known for her time on Saturday Night Live (SNL). Shannon, who has remained a prominent figure in film and television, is currently enjoying a career resurgence, with roles in acclaimed shows like HBO’s The White Lotus, Max’s The Other Two, and Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building. Her diverse body of work and her indelible mark on comedy made her a fitting choice for the AWF event.
Shannon, who is also set to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame next year, shared an inspiring and heartfelt message with the audience. During an interview with WSB-TV anchor Karyn Greer, she spoke about her deep love for comedy and the joy it brings her. “I truly do love giving joy through comedy,” Shannon remarked. “That part makes me handle the ups and downs. It’s not about me. That keeps me grounded.”
Shannon’s speech also delved into the personal hardships she faced growing up. At the age of four, Shannon tragically lost both her mother and sister in a car accident.
Reflecting on that formative experience, she explained, “I felt like the rug was pulled out from under us. I was so little. I couldn’t really believe that was happening. I went into a fantasy, waiting for them to come back.”
Despite this profound loss, Shannon found strength in the enduring presence of her father, Jim Shannon, who remained a constant and loving figure in her life until his passing in 2002.
Describing her father, Shannon shared, “He had a real zest for life. He was very silly. We’d go into a candy store. ‘Let’s pretend we’re blind.’ Then we’d knock over candy. We’d go into a department store, and he’d undress mannequins and position them in a funny way. He was very silly.” This playful spirit, along with her father’s resilience, would later inspire one of Shannon’s most iconic SNL characters.
Shannon’s father was the inspiration behind her famous SNL character, Sally O’Malley, a feisty, energetic woman who is proud to be “forty” and always ready to kick her leg high. “Sally’s limp is my dad’s limp,” Shannon revealed.
“That was me imitating my dad. Sally’s kick is me wishing my dad could kick off his leg braces. You think he’s weak, but he’s a powerhouse, a survivor.” This heartfelt tribute to her father’s strength and resilience became one of the most memorable sketches in SNL history.
Another of Shannon’s iconic characters, Mary Catherine Gallagher, was also deeply personal. Known for her awkwardness and enthusiasm, Gallagher was an exaggerated version of Shannon’s own childhood experiences. “It was a great lesson for me to really write from within,” Shannon explained. “So many people related to her.”
At 60, Shannon is experiencing a new phase in her career, taking on roles that challenge her and allow her to showcase her comedic range. One of her current roles is as Bev Melon, an ambitious and somewhat ruthless film producer in Only Murders in the Building, alongside Selena Gomez, Martin Short, and Steve Martin. The character of Bev Melon was specifically written with Shannon in mind, as the producers were eager to see her bring their vision to life.
Shannon describes her character as a complex blend of sweetness and shrewdness. “She’s very shrewd, and it seems like she’s more into the money part of show business than the art,” Shannon noted in an interview with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
The role also gave Shannon the opportunity to share a memorable scene with acting legend Meryl Streep, who plays Loretta Durkin, a mid-level TV actress dating Oliver Putnam (Steve Martin). “I’m so glad Meryl went along with that,” Shannon said. “She was so wonderful. She’s naturally curious, and we clicked. We just had fun that day.”
Shannon’s success as a performer is a testament to her enduring talent and work ethic. Now an empty-nester with two children in college, she has more freedom to choose projects that excite her. Despite her many accomplishments, Shannon remains grounded and committed to her craft. “It’s always a hustle,” she reflected. “I’ve always worked hard. I’m really grateful for the opportunities I get.”
The AWF’s Numbers Too Big to Ignore fundraiser not only showcased Shannon’s inspiring story but also highlighted the ongoing need for support for women and girls in the Atlanta area. The event’s success was a reminder of the power of community and philanthropy and the importance of investing in the future of women’s education, health, and economic empowerment.