Gayle Benson’s Month of Giving Brings Joy and Impact to Mobile
The holiday season is a time for giving and spreading joy, and Gayle Benson, owner of the New Orleans Saints and governor of the New Orleans Pelicans, has embodied this spirit through her Month of Giving initiative. Each year, Mrs. Benson visits organizations and families across the Gulf South, delivering gifts, grocery cards, and other items to uplift communities and brighten lives. This year, her efforts expanded beyond Louisiana into Alabama and Mississippi, and Fuse Project was honored to be selected as her Mobile nonprofit beneficiary.
Fuse Project had the privilege of collaborating with Mrs. Benson to channel her generosity into our Avenue Bridge Collaboration (ABC) Program. This program, aimed at bridging educational disparities, provides supplemental resources to students and teachers, such as academic and extracurricular clubs, student incentives, mentoring programs, and teacher appreciation events. By partnering with Mrs. Benson, Fuse Project’s mission to empower children and strengthen communities took on new dimensions of impact.
Transforming Calloway-Smith Middle School
Mrs. Benson’s visit to Mobile centered around Calloway-Smith Middle School, a key partner in Fuse Project’s ABC Academic Support Program. Working closely with Principal Payton, the Fuse Project team identified a pressing need: much of the school’s furniture is over 20 years old. Recognizing that a refreshed environment could foster a more welcoming and collaborative atmosphere, Mrs. Benson’s Month of Giving provided the perfect opportunity to bring this vision to life.
Together, Fuse Project and Mrs. Benson’s team reimagined the school’s spaces. Plans include modernized furniture to create a more inclusive environment for students, parents, staff, and community partners. In addition, innovative student pods will be introduced to enhance the school’s incentive programs. These pods will serve as versatile spaces for studying, reading, and relaxation, providing students with a unique and rewarding experience.
A Celebration of Collaboration and Generosity
Calloway-Smith Middle School went above and beyond to celebrate this special day. Mrs. Benson and her team were welcomed by an enthusiastic lineup of cheerleaders, the LOTC (Leadership Officer Training Corps), and the school band. As they walked through the halls, they were greeted by lots of smiling faces gathered around a large Christmas tree and a vision board showcasing the planned transformations. Heartfelt handwritten notes from students expressed their gratitude, adding a personal and touching element to the occasion.
Fuse Project staff and board members (Kirk Mattei, Andrew Peak, and Kimberly Williams Pettway) as well as representatives from the Mobile County Public School System, were on hand to share in the festivities. Special thanks go to Rena Philips, Director of Communications, and Sherry McDade, MCPSS Board Member for District 4, for their unwavering support.
The Power of Collaboration
Mrs. Benson’s visit to Mobile was a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through teamwork and shared purpose. Her generosity, combined with Fuse Project’s dedication and the support of the Mobile community, brought meaningful change to Calloway-Smith Middle School. This day exemplified the true essence of collaboration, leaving a lasting impact on students, teachers, and the community as a whole.
Thank you, Mrs. Benson, for your unwavering commitment to spreading joy and investing in the future of our children. Your Month of Giving is a testament to the incredible things that can happen when hearts and hands come together.
Watch the news coverage of the gift presentation to learn more about this impactful day.
