The Atlanta Women’s Foundation (AWF) is thrilled to have actress Molly Shannon headline our 28th Annual Numbers Too Big To Ignore Luncheon. 

From her groundbreaking work on Saturday Night Live to her New York Times best-selling heartfelt memoir Hello Molly!, Molly’s life and career are a testament to the power of transformation. 

At age four, Molly Shannon’s world was shattered when she lost her mother, baby sister, and cousin in a car accident with her father at the wheel. Held together by her tender and complicated relationship with her grieving father, Molly was raised in a permissive household where her gift for improvising and role-playing blossomed alongside the fearlessness that would lead her to become a celebrated actress.

From there, Molly ventured into the wider world of New York and Los Angeles show business, where she created her own opportunities and developed her daring and empathetic comedy. Her style helped pave the way for fellow female comedians who refused to fit the mold. 

Molly’s resilience in overcoming trauma and her perseverance in breaking barriers are mirrored every day in the women and girls served by AWF grantees. This spirit encapsulates our mission to be a catalyst for change in their lives. Through their determination and engagement in our grantee partners’ transformative programs, these women and girls are empowered to lead safe, healthy, economically self-sufficient, and vibrant lives.

Molly is primarily known for the eclectic characters she created, such as Mary Katherine Gallagher and Sally O’Malley, during her six seasons on Saturday Night Live, where she starred alongside Will Ferrell, Adam Sandler, Cheri Oteri, Tracy Morgan, and Jimmy Fallon, among many others.

Most recently, Molly signed on to star alongside Mark Wahlberg and Paul Walter Hauser, friend and donor to AWF, in Balls Up, an action comedy from Peter Farrelly for Amazon MGM Studios and Skydance. She also inked a first-look development deal with HBO Max and has been tapped for a season-long arc on the upcoming fourth season of Hulu’s hit mystery comedy Only Murders in the Building.

Molly appeared in the award-winning first season of HBO’s critically acclaimed The White Lotus, the independent drama A Good Person opposite Florence Pugh and Morgan Freeman, and Promising Young Woman, which was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture. 

In 2000, she received an Emmy nomination for “Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program.” In 2017, she received the Independent Spirit Award for “Best Supporting Actress” for her performance in the highly acclaimed drama Other People. It was announced in June that Molly has been selected to the Hollywood Walk of Fame Class of 2025 in the television category.

Let Molly’s story inspire you to be a catalyst for change in your community when you attend the Numbers Too Big To Ignore Fundraising Luncheon on October 30th.

Join us for an afternoon of empowerment, laughter, and inspiration at this year’s Numbers Too Big To Ignore Luncheon. This luncheon is a pivotal aspect of our yearly fundraising efforts. It provides a platform to advance discussions on gender equality and economic improvement for women and girls impacted by poverty and for all women who want to see positive changes in their lives. 

Don’t miss out—secure your spot for this inspiring gathering of community members devoted to uplifting women and girls. Table sales are now open, and tickets will be available starting September 18. Learn more about the luncheon and secure your table here: Numbers Too Big To Ignore Luncheon.

Learn more about the work of the Atlanta Women’s Foundation here: Atlanta Women’s Foundation.