Member Spotlight

 

Celebrating Compassion, Service, and Community Commitment

The Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize The African Violet Foundation as our November Member Spotlight. Since 2006, this remarkable nonprofit organization has embodied the heart of Southeast Iowa—serving with compassion, humility, and purpose. Through its signature Christmas Gift Program and the African Violet Boutique, the foundation continues to uplift local children, families, and individuals in need. The Chamber is honored to shine a light on a member whose tireless work restores dignity, inspires generosity, and strengthens the very fabric of our community.

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The African Violet Foundation (AVF)

A Foundation Grown from Kindness

Founded in the fall of 2006 by Staci Wright and her husband Roger Wright, the African Violet Foundation (AVF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Fairfield, Iowa. The name itself is rooted in legacy and love: Staci’s grandmother, Ava Topping, was known for sending African violets to people as a small gesture of care and encouragement—a living symbol of empathy and hope. AVF was created to carry forward that same spirit of giving, ensuring no one in the community feels forgotten.

What began modestly—providing Christmas gifts for 33 students at Fairfield High School—has grown into a multi-program organization serving hundreds of youth and families across Southeast Iowa each year. Today, AVF continues to extend love and support through tangible acts of kindness that remind families they are not alone.

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Mission & Vision: Dignity, Community, and Service

The African Violet Foundation’s mission is simple yet powerful: to serve others with compassion while preserving dignity and fostering community connection. Guided by core values of empathy, equity, generosity, and faith, AVF ensures that every child and family it serves experiences kindness without judgment or financial barriers.

Its programs, volunteers, and donors share a common belief—that compassion and collaboration can transform lives. From Christmas gifts to year-round clothing support, the foundation exemplifies what it means to care deeply for one’s neighbors.

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Key Programs and Community Impact

🎁 Christmas Gift Program

Each December, AVF coordinates a large-scale holiday gift project serving middle and high school students across the Fairfield, Pekin, and Van Buren school districts. What began as a small outreach has grown to serve nearly 500 students annually. Gifts include clothing, shoes, personal care items, and special surprises to ensure every student feels included and celebrated during the holidays.

The Christmas project not only provides material support but also uplifts spirits—reminding young people that their community cares deeply about them. For many families, this program bridges the gap during difficult seasons and spreads joy across generations.

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👕 The African Violet Boutique

After recognizing the closure of other free clothing resources in Fairfield, AVF took bold action. In 2019, after a three-year renovation of the former Lord’s Cupboard building, the foundation opened The African Violet Boutique at 54 South B Street in downtown Fairfield.

The boutique offers free-will donation clothing and essentials for all ages—from infants to adults. Shoppers can find new socks and underwear, winter wear, shoes and boots, blankets, baby and toddler items, books, and toys. While donations are encouraged to help cover costs, AVF’s policy ensures that no one is ever turned away. The boutique’s guiding principle is that only families know what they can afford, and everyone deserves access to basic necessities in a dignified, judgment-free environment.

The boutique has become a symbol of kindness in action—a place where “fashion is free for those in need.”

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🏠 Community Partnerships and Support

Beyond gifts and clothing, AVF regularly connects donors of furniture and appliances with families who need them. The foundation also provides emergency monetary assistance when other nonprofit criteria cannot be met, ensuring families do not fall through the cracks.

AVF is deeply rooted in collaboration, supported by numerous local businesses, churches, and service organizations. Among its strongest partners is Agri-Industrial Plastics, whose employees have rallied behind the foundation since learning about its mission years ago. Former employee and board member Terry Neil made it his personal goal to involve the entire factory in helping students and families—an effort that continues today with Agri-Industrial as AVF’s largest business supporter.

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Board Leadership and Governance

The African Violet Foundation operates under a dedicated nine-member Board of Directors, ensuring that all operations, events, and funds are managed with transparency and care.
Current Board Members:

• Jay Thompson, President
• Staci Wright, Vice President
• Katie Ghent, Secretary
• J.J. Greiner, Treasurer
• Shawn Dorman, Sage Ghent, Brandon Stuhr, Seth Talbot, and Roger Wright

With a diverse mix of professional backgrounds and community perspectives, the board provides strategic leadership, helps coordinate volunteer efforts, and continues to grow AVF’s impact throughout the region.

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Core Values That Guide Their Work

At its heart, AVF embodies the values that strengthen communities:

• Compassion and Empathy: Meeting families where they are, with understanding and care.
• Service to Others: Prioritizing people over profit and choosing generosity over convenience.
• Equity and Inclusion: Removing financial barriers so that everyone can participate fully in community life.
• Human Dignity: Ensuring all people feel respected and valued.
• Community and Collaboration: Bringing together schools, donors, and volunteers for collective impact.
• Generosity and Gratitude: Inspiring others to give and to be thankful for what they have.
• Hope and Empowerment: Providing not just items, but encouragement to keep moving forward.

These principles serve as the foundation’s compass—reminding everyone that small acts of kindness can create lasting change.

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Challenges and the Road Ahead

Like many nonprofits, AVF faces growing demand while resources fluctuate. Boutique usage is higher than ever, while donations and volunteer numbers have declined. The foundation continues to seek new partnerships, grant funding, and volunteers to sustain its outreach. Despite these challenges, the team remains optimistic and steadfast in its belief that faith and community support will meet every need.

As AVF looks to the future, its leaders are focused on expanding accessibility, growing their volunteer base, and continuing to strengthen relationships with schools, local businesses, and service organizations.

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How You Can Help

• Donate: Clothing, shoes, baby items, or new socks and underwear are always needed.
• Volunteer: Help sort, organize, or assist shoppers at the boutique.
• Sponsor or Partner: Businesses and groups can organize drives or contribute financially.
• Spread the Word: Share the mission with friends and family to connect more people with resources.

For questions, comments, or donations, please contact Staci Wright at (641) 919-4306 or visit www.TheAfricanVioletFoundation.org.

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Continuing a Legacy of Love

Nearly two decades after its founding, the African Violet Foundation remains true to its roots: one small act of love can make a world of difference. From the first 33 students served in 2006 to hundreds of families helped today, AVF continues to grow, adapt, and serve with unwavering compassion.

By restoring dignity, spreading kindness, and inspiring others to give, the African Violet Foundation stands as a beacon of hope in Southeast Iowa—a living reminder that community is built not by words alone, but by love in action.