Storybook Farm, Rape Counselors of East Alabama, Food Bank of East Alabama, Little H.A.P.I.E Tree also receive cash donations through MAX Gives
By Alison James
Associate Editor
Photo by Alison James
BigHouse founder Micah Melnick shares about BigHouse’s mission at the Birthday Banquet last Thursday. As part of the evening’s program, Melnick announced the $20,000 grant from MAX and debuted a commercial created in partnershp with MAX that will promote BigHouse.
Helping those in need got a little easier in Lee County recently – $25,000 easier.
Five nonprofit organizations in Lee County received grants from MAX as part of the institution’s yearlong social media campaign, #MAXgives.
First place winner and recipient of $20,000 was BigHouse Foundation of Opelika. Founder Micah Melnick spoke on the importance of this grant at the Foundation’s Birthday Banquet last Thursday.
“That will be a huge asset for us to really take what we do, all the things we do, to that next level,” Melnick said. “We just really appreciate the opportunity to have that funding, and we’re so excited.”
Melnick thanked everyone who voted for BigHouse as part of the contest.
Also receiving donations were Storybook Farm ($2,500), Little H.A.P.I.E. Tree ($1,250), Rape Counselors of East Alabama ($750) and Food Bank of East Alabama ($500). The winners were announced at the grand opening ceremony for MAX’s new Auburn Downtown branch.
Dena Little, founder of Storybook Farm, a horse therapy farm for children with physical, mental, social and emotional challenges, said although they fought hard for first place, she was thankful for the $2,500 grant, which will help support their mission “to walk alongside children with uncertain futures and provide them with unyielding joy and hope.” Little said the campaign was also a great tool to make more people aware of what Storybook Farm does and to make contact with people who might benefit from what Storybook offers.
The #MAXgives campaign, explained a press release distributed by MAX, encouraged Lee County citizens to nominate and vote for their organization of choice through social media outlets.
“The #MAXgives effort is just one more way we can be a good neighbor in Lee County,” said MAX chief lending officer Martin Head. “Giving back to the communities where we serve is at our core, and this tradition continues as we deepen our roots here in Auburn. We will work diligently to support the cities, organizations and people who give tirelessly to improve the quality of life for Lee County residents.”