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Fairhope Educational Enrichment Foundation outlines Pelican’s Nest expansion and 2026 anniversary plans
Summary
The Fairhope Educational Enrichment Foundation updated the council on fundraising successes, teacher grants, an expanded educator role to serve secondary students, and plans to repurpose K1 buildings for learning and expo space; the foundation invited council to a Sept. 27 campus event and noted its 30th anniversary in 2026.
Representatives from the Fairhope Educational Enrichment Foundation (FIFE) briefed the council on operations at the Pelican’s Nest and plans to expand educational programming and campus facilities.
A FIFE representative introduced the organization’s staff: "Redonna Moseley, our executive director. We have Celeste Rivenbark, who is our education and campus coordinator, and Andy Wilcoxon, who is our treasurer," the presenter said. The foundation reported raising nearly $63,000 from recent events, saying the funds support teacher grants, educational programs and facility updates.
FIFE said it awarded more than $20,000 in teacher grants this past year and distributed 31 classroom grants of $200 each. The foundation described a staffing change nearly two years ago that added a FIFE-employed educator so the program could serve all Fairhope students and expand to include secondary (sixth through 12th grade) programming.
"We're able to be able to 1, see all of our Fairhope students, and 2, work to provide that secondary education program," Redonna Moseley said when describing the expanded educator role.
Staff described near-term plans to update the K1 center buildings on the Pelican’s Nest campus: funds exist to convert one classroom into a secondary learning space; other buildings would be repurposed for office space and an expo area focused on Mobile Bay and marine/environmental science exhibits that could generate revenue for schools.
FIFE also reminded the council that the organization will celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2026 and invited council members to its fall event, "Jubilee at the Pavilion," on Sept. 27 at the Pelican’s Nest.
Why it matters: the foundation provides supplemental funding and programs for Fairhope public-school students, and its campus development could expand hands-on marine and environmental science programming for K–12 students in the city.
Ending: Council members thanked FIFE for its work and fundraising; no formal council action was requested at the work session.
