AUM Foundation’s AUMpalooza

Sisley Noojin, Lindsey Smith, Kailynn Palfi Missy Head, Franscine Garcia, Scott Head

AUMpalooza Raises Funds for Pathway 2 Success

Photos by Stephanie E. Jennings

The AUM Foundation held its inaugural AUMpalooza on April 24 at A.M. Booth Lumberyard. The event was a fundraiser to benefit Pathway 2 Success, a program that empowers under-resourced female high school students for success. The vision of the program is that each girl who completes this program will be financially independent and will pay it forward.

Among the 120 guests were Councilwoman Frances Akridge, Melissa Morrison Ellis, Cliff White, Shawn Fairburn and Kristi Krieger. With fare catered by Purveyor, entertainment was provided by Cheryl Llewelleyn. O'Shea Beckford, one of the first graduates, who just obtained a degree in criminal justice from Troy University and plans to be an attorney, was one of the featured speakers along with Franscine Garcia, who just graduated from the program.

Sponsors included Mrs. Peg Thompson of Cottage Senior Living, Dr. Jitesh Kar of Neurology Institute of Huntsville, Pranteek Patnaik of Patnaik Realty; Ms. Marion (Missy) head of Rainmaker Arabians; and Lanier Ford.

Alka Baghrav, Executive Director of the AUM Foundation said of the event, “Our community had been craving get-togethers since the miserable last year. This was a fantastic evening of fun, great food, music, camaraderie and most of all supporting a great cause - AUM Foundation's Pathway 2 Success.” n

Jenny Hite, Lakeshia King, Bonita Williams, Alka Bhargav, Shateka Montague, Courtney Murray, Genyce Burkett

WEDC – Women’s Economic Development Council of Huntsville