How Members Provide Lasting Impact: Order of Fuse Spring Highlights
Fuse Project’s Order of Fuse (OOF) members are dedicated to continuing their mission to give back to the community in unique and impactful ways. We are thrilled to share the latest updates and celebrate the accomplishments of this dynamic membership organization.
Mardi Gras Magic: Fat Fuse Day Celebration
This spring, Order of Fuse ushered in the festive Mardi Gras season with our annual Fat Fuse Day celebration at the Ice Box Bar. It was a night filled with joyous revelry, as members and their guests enjoyed flashy light-up ice cubes in their cocktails, accessorized for the Order of Pharaohs and Conde Explorers parades with light-up sunglasses and flower crowns, and added a touch of sparkle with body glitter on smiling faces.
Velvet Pig (the restaurant located inside Ice Box) provided us with some really mouth-watering culinary delights, including Boudin Egg Rolls, Ham and Pimento Cheese Sliders, Pork Belly Skewers, and Smash Burgers (served as an after-parade treat). The evening also featured a king cake tasting competition with delectable offerings from Big Bad Breakfast (former pastry chef of Atlanta Bread Co. – IYKYK) and Sugar Rush. Members ate and drank, mixed and mingled, took pictures at our fun photo booth provided by Photos By the Bay, then made their way to the Canal St. barricade for the Boom Boom! This night of fun and folly was definitely one to remember.
Volunteering and Community Impact
At Fuse Project, we believe in the power of hands-on involvement to drive positive change. Our motto, “Gloves not capes,” encapsulates our philosophy of working side-by-side with community members to create meaningful and lasting impact. This spring, OOF members have actively participated in several volunteer opportunities, witnessing firsthand the difference their contributions make.
ABC Academic Support Program
One of the cornerstones of our volunteer efforts is the ABC Academic Support Program. OOF members regularly volunteer in this initiative, providing academic assistance and fellowship with students in the Avenue community. This hands-on approach not only bolsters the students’ educational journey but also strengthens the bond between our members and the community they serve.
MLK Day of Service
Our work through The Historic Avenue Foundation is focused specifically on the community surrounding the Avenue named in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Our team recently had the privilege of celebrating his legacy by participating in a weekend of reflection and service. On Saturday, January 13 Fuse Project staff, Order of Fuse members, along with a great turnout of community volunteers joined together for the 10th Annual MLK Day of Service hosted by Mobile United to tackle the trash along Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave. and surrounding residential areas in District 2. This event underscored our commitment to promoting health, fitness, education, and social responsibility in our community. To read more about this day of service, click here.
Senior Bowl Community Day
In collaboration with the Senior Bowl, we had the privilege of bringing aspiring NFL players to visit Calloway-Smith Middle School and Florence Howard Elementary School. OOF members volunteered their time to escort the players as they engaged with students, sharing personal stories and the importance of academic focus. This initiative highlights our dedication to inspiring the next generation and fostering educational success. To read more about this community day, click here.
Read Across America
Leap Day was extra special this year as we celebrated Black History Month with a Read Across America Black History Read-a-Thon at Florence Howard Elementary School. Our volunteers read inspiring stories like "Salt in His Shoes" about Michael Jordan and "Trombone Shorty" to the students. A heartfelt thank you to Monique Baugh, Ruth McKee, Beth Stepan, Ginny Sprinkle, Reverend Edwards, Morgan Edge, and Pastor Lue for their participation.
At Pathway K-5, our volunteers brought joy and excitement to students by sharing their favorite books. Notable reads included "The Book with No Pictures" by B.J. Novak. Special thanks to Weathers Bolt, Harley Griffin, Madison Wright, Riley Bridges, and Cecily Harper for making reading an adventure for the young minds. To read more about Read Across America, click here.
Lip Sync Battle: “And the winner is… Order of Fuse!”
The annual Lip Sync Battle was perhaps the Order of Fuse highlight of the year! Team OOF took home both of the major awards for the evening, winning Crowd Favorite and Grand Champion! The Crowd Favorite award is given to the team that raises the most money through crowd donations, voting, and ticket sales. $1=1 vote. This team won this award by raising over $8,500! The rock stars on this year’s team were Graysi Gartman (Captain), Jen (Bunny) Head, Katie Jackson, Kelly McKinley, Amber Saltz, Cara Stapleton, Allison Starr, and Maddie Wright. To read more about the 2024 Lip Sync Battle, click here.
Our dedicated Lip Sync Battle Planning and Advisory Committee, including Order of Fuse members Haley Courtney, Graysi Gartman (Chairman), Abbey Huguley, Ruth McKee, Andrew Peak, Danielle Rebowe, Ginny Sprinkle, and Allison Starr, worked tirelessly alongside staff to ensure the event's success. Their efforts in securing sponsorships and coordinating with teams were instrumental in making the Lip Sync Battle a memorable event. Members attend regular meetings and act as a resource for teams. At least one committee member is appointed to each team to be a “Team Liaison'' or someone who the teams can reach out to beyond Fuse Project staff members for fundraising help or answering questions.
Looking Ahead: Summer Sips and Grant Awards
As we approach the OOF year-end, we look forward to gathering one more time for our “Summer Sips” event, where members will have the opportunity to vote on how their dues will be utilized to expand our ABC Program. This event not only celebrates the achievements of our members but also highlights their commitment to the Avenue community. (Read a recap of Summer Sips here.)
Stay tuned for more updates and join us in our journey to make a lasting impact. Together, we are driving positive change and fostering a brighter future for our community.
Thank you to all our Order of Fuse members for your unwavering dedication and passion. Your efforts truly embody the spirit of being a “difference maker.”
For more information and to stay updated on upcoming events and community volunteer opportunities, visit our website or follow us on social media. Together, we can continue to make a meaningful difference in our community.
