Celebrating nonprofits, churches and volunteers
Adam Williams, the founder and executive director of MissionsFilled, created his online learning and community network to connect churches, local nonprofits and volunteers to help support family wellness and charitable goals.
Williams saw those goals bear fruit as MissionsFilled hosted its second annual Community Champion Volunteer Fair at Lansing Mall on Oct. 17.
Sponsored by Against All Odds, United Way South Central Michigan, and LAFCU, the fair occupied the mall’s west end with a stage, music, photo area, exhibits and vendors.
“Last year’s fair, at Great Lakes Christian College, we had 22 nonprofits and ministries,” Williams recalled. “This year, with the vendors as well, the room was filled.”
Community Champion participants were encouraged to dress as superheroes, and fair attendees had hands-on opportunities and got to meet service providers directly.
“This year we had an exhibit to help people find ways to really impact the community and learn about issues affecting homelessness, incarceration, the youth, foster children, health and people affected by cancer,” Williams said. “Also, in past events, we did a grant application. This year we had a pitch competition.”
Seven contestants gave a three-minute pitch, evaluated on whether their projects were doable, sustainable and fundable. The potentially-change-making ideas were presented to LAFCU Senior Vice President of Lending Laura Hosey, Base Builder Labs owner and founder Cyrina Enty and UnoDeuce Multimedia owner Paul Schmidt.
“What I loved about it was the energy,” said Schmidt, also a MissionsFilled board member. “I thought the energy was there and it was sustained through the time.”
A contestant, in an encouraged superhero costume, delivers a pitch at the contest. Photo by Mr. Joe Walker for City Pulse
The pitch winner was Erica Munchbach, owner of homelessness-assisting nonprofit L-Town Jubilee. She was awarded a prize value of $3,000; $1,000 in direct project funding and $2,000 in professional advertising and consulting services.
“It gives me the capacity to create another podcast which can spread our message further through different channels, like YouTube and social media, to get our mission out there further,” Munchbach said. “This event is amazing! It’s a really exciting thing to be a part of in so many ways, and it was a great, successful event. It was a lot of cool people here who are doing cool things. The vibe was remarkable.”
The Volunteer Fair set that vibe with Against All Odds’ annual cancer walk through the mall. The route ended in the main area near the stage. DJ Just Jereny handled the sound and soundtrack for the day, and Stellar Award-winning singer, songwriter and producer Alfred Singleton III opened the event with an impassioned performance.
Jereny said his job was to maintain that kickoff-energy throughout the fair.
Community Champion Volunteer Fair host Sheri Jones, Amirika Richardson, and MissionsFilled Champions pitch competition judge Paul Schmidt of UnoDeuce Multimedia. Photo by Mr. Joe Walker for City Pulse
“I was told to always be the light, so I tried to bring the light to the room, bring smiles, and bring joy,” Jereny said. “I just wanted to add to what was already there. It was cool to see the pitch contestants walk through their passion, understanding that it’s hard to talk in front of people.”
Community Champion co-host Sheri Jones showed her veteran comfort in front of a live audience.
The former WLNS reporter and news anchor, now the host of WKAR’s ‘Impact: Michigan’, maintained energetic hospitality throughout the event.
“There was so much collaboration between our churches, our volunteers, our community groups, and everybody stayed engaged with one another, and it was so impactful,” Jones said. “I love the enthusiasm for what’s next and what’s to come. Adam is a genius, and he has such a servant-heart for the community. I loved it.”
