This spring and summer, Fuse Project has been actively engaging with the community through various events, building awareness for our mission, and fostering relationships essential to our outreach efforts and fundraising. Here’s a recap of some of the exciting events we've participated in:

Bunny Bolt 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk

In March, we joined Infirmary Health's inaugural Bunny Bolt 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk. This event was a tremendous success, supporting children’s health education programs at the Exploreum Science Center and Fuse Project. Thanks to Infirmary Health's generosity, we received a $5,000 check to help promote healthy lifestyles and education for children.

It was a gorgeous day filled with community spirit, and we are immensely grateful to everyone who participated and volunteered. Special thanks to Infirmary Health for their continued support of Fuse Project and The Historic Avenue Foundation. We look forward to the next Bunny Bolt in 2025!

Mobile Business Group Meeting

In April, our Development Director, Mary Frances Clarke, spoke to the Mobile Business Group at the Athelstan Club, thanks to Jerry Jackson from Professional Roofing and Construction, a valued Order of Fuse Member and Fan Club sponsor for our Lip Sync Battle fundraiser. It was a fantastic opportunity to share more about our mission and fundraising efforts with local business leaders.

Elizabeth’s Crayons Coloring Book Drive

In June, our Order of Fuse members participated in Elizabeth’s Crayons Coloring Book Drive, a touching initiative started in memory of Angeline Elizabeth Jones and Reyna Elizabeth Banks. Organized by Malcolm Banks, Jr. from Stewart Memorial CME Church, this annual drive brings joy to children in the Avenue community by providing coloring books and utensils.

We collected 15 packs of coloring utensils and 56 coloring books, which were distributed during a fun-filled field day event on June 8 at Stewart Memorial CME Church. The event featured activities like a jumpy house, Culver’s Ice Cream, Mobile Hoops, face painting, and more. Families received hotdogs, chips, and the donated supplies, and had the opportunity to connect with additional community resources. Malcolm also generously donated several coloring books to fill our 150+ summer backpacks for students in Florence Howard Elementary School’s Academic Summer Camp and our SPARK Summer Camp!

Connect Mobile Presentation

Our Development Director, Mary Frances Clarke, also had the privilege of speaking to the Connect Mobile class. Connect Mobile, an initiative by Mobile United, identifies and cultivates young leaders in the Mobile Bay area. Sharing Fuse Project's work with these future leaders was a wonderful opportunity to inspire and connect with those passionate about community development.

South Alabama Coalition of Nonprofits Summit

We were delighted to participate in the South Alabama Coalition of Nonprofits (SACNP) Summit in July, a gathering for nonprofits to learn from each other and advocate for their missions. The summit covered a range of topics from fund development to cybersecurity, and it was a joy to connect with peers like Aimee Risser, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Central Gulf Coast, and Jane Bartlett Nenstiel of Prichard Prep.

Franklin Primary Health Center Community Health Fair & Back to School Bash

In August, we set up a booth at the Franklin Primary Health Center's Community Health Fair & Back to School Bash, held at the Franklin Medical Mall in the Avenue community. We distributed summer scavenger hunts, coloring books, crayons, and promoted the waitlist for our Early Learning classroom. Laney Andrews, director of our ABC Program, was thrilled to see a familiar face—a SPARK Summer Camp student and his family!

These events have been instrumental in spreading awareness about Fuse Project's mission and building relationships that support our outreach efforts and fundraising initiatives. We are grateful to everyone who has participated, volunteered, or supported us in these endeavors. We look forward to many more opportunities to engage with our community in the months ahead! 

If you'd like Fuse Project to participate in your community outreach event and share more about our mission, please reach out to us. We would love to connect and collaborate with you to make a positive impact together!