EVENTS/ACTIVITIES
Joe’s Cafe
The Joseph M. Fannell Memorial Foundation sponsors and/or contributes to special events which highlight creative ministry, such as spoken word, poetry, mime and other talents and abilities. To this end, we have created “Joe’s Cafe,” an open mic showcase, where artists are given a platform to perform and display their talents. Our first Cafe was held in Westampton, NJ in January 2019 in honor of and in celebration of Joseph’s birthday, January 14. We plan to host and/or contribute to other Cafe’s throughout the country and are planning our first Annual Gala for Fall 2023. We are currently seeking sponsors. If you are interested in becoming a Gala sponsor, email us at info@jmffund.org.
JMF Performing Arts Competition
The Foundation implemented the JMF Performing Arts Competition, where youth and young adults from the ages of 10-22 are allowed to express their talents while competing for cash prizes. Last year we were able to award over $6,000 in prize money. This year’s competition was postponed and will run again at a future date.
Scholarships and Grants
JMF provides scholarships and grants to help support young people looking to pursue careers in the creative and performing arts. Our main scholarship award is presented to graduating high school seniors, for both the fall and the spring college semesters. The Foundation also awards monetary grants to young adults with financial need who are pursuing a career in the performing arts. Both our scholarship awards and grants were presented in July 2022. See our announcements page for the winners!
Anti-Bullying
The Foundation previously partnered with No Bully, one of the nation’s leading anti-bullying organizations, and is looking to consider other partnerships. Suggestions or recommendations are welcome. Send us an email at info@jmffund.org.
Current Events
Past Events
Joe’s Cafe
29 for 29 Campaign
December 15 – January 14 – 29 for 29 Fundraising Campaign
JMF Youth and Young Adults Performing Arts Competition
June 30 – July 24 – JMF Youth and Young Adults Performing Arts Competition.
The winners of the contest were announced August 12. They were as follows, 10-12, Lily Bradford; 13-16, Sanath Bhavankar (1st place); Laina Ramey (2nd place); 17-22, Te’Zheun Watson (1st place), Thalia Roberts (2nd place), Jasmine Livingston and Sarah Long (3rd place tie). In addition we had some awesome runner ups: Cydney Brown, Cortunay Minor, Nathan Wallace.
Silent Auction
June 2 – June 19, 2021 – JMF Virtual Silent Auction
28 for 28
December, 2020 – January, 2021 – 28 for 28
We are asking $28 for what would have been Joe’s 28th birthday, January 14. This fundraiser will go towards increasing the scholarship assistance and providing additional opportunities for youth and young adults to display their talents.
Youth in the Performing Arts Virtual Competition
November, 2020 – Youth in the Performing Arts Virtual Competition, ages 10-15. Winners were announced December 12. The winners are, (10-12) 1st Place, Savas; 2nd Place, Lily Bradford; 3rd Place, Ayden Katsikis. (13-15) 1st Place, Sanath Bhavankar; 2nd Place, Laina Ramey; 3rd Place, Teresa Marshall.
October, 2020 ONGOING – Join with Joe’s Foundation and take a stand against bullying! Through its programs, No Bully’s mission is to eradicate bullying and cyberbullying worldwide.
JMF Spoken Word Contest
July, 2020 – The first JMF Spoken Word Contest for young people, ages 16-22. Winners were announced on August 1st.
Joe’s Gospel Cafe
Saturday, January 18, 2020 – “Joe’s Gospel Cafe” (First talent showcase for youth and young adults in honor of Joseph’s birthday, January 14).
Gospel Cafe
On Friday, July 31st, 2015 the Memorial Fund sponsored its first Gospel Cafe for The Lion of Judah Church of God in Christ, in honor of Joseph. Below is a video clip of his sister, Brandi, as she shares a poem.
If you are a creative artist or a group/church interested in hosting your own “Joe’s Gospel Cafe” and would like us to sponsor it, please let us know at info@ripjoe.org