Fannie Mae Simpson Foundation Sponsors Community Pop-Up Shop Day Saturday

This Saturday a special Community Pop Up Shop Day is being held on the lawn at the Spring St Gym in Lavonia and it’s for a good cause.

According to organizer Gervonte Brown, the day commemorates the third anniversary of the Fannie Mae Simpson Foundation and its efforts to help students go to college.

“What we’re doing is celebrating the third year of the Fannie Mae Simpson Foundation,” he said. “And that is a scholarship fund that is in memory of my great-grandmother. What we’re doing is a local pop-up shop by bringing together local businesses who have been affected by the pandemic on the day we launch the scholarship fund (application process).”

Brown said the scholarship fund is in its third year and they will begin sending out scholarship notices and applications beginning Saturday.

“I started it three years ago. What we do is open the application process from this Saturday, July 10 to February 1. We send them out (applications) to all schools all over to any kid who desires an application. Then our judges review the application and a 120-word essay from the student. To the students going to a four-year school we give them a $1,000 scholarship for all four years,” he said.

And Brown said when the students graduate they are presented with a recognition of achievement plaque at a banquet in their honor.

Saturday’s Fannie Mae Simpson Foundation Community Day Pop-Up Shop he said will feature dozens of vendors from across the area featuring arts and crafts, clothes, etc. along with good food and entertainment.

Brown said any vendor wishing to set up a booth or table at the Pop-Up Shop is welcome to do so by contacting him.

Again, the Fannie Mae Simpson Foundation Community Day Pop Up Shop takes place this Saturday from 11a to 7p on the lawn of the Spring St. Gym in Lavonia.

Anyone with questions can contact Brown at 706-963-9741.