Troy University Phenix City Campus hosted its annual Community Fall Festival on Oct. 31. The event has become highly anticipated for the local community, offering a day filled with fun, food and celebration.

This year’s event drew more than 400 attendees from the Phenix City area, highlighting the spirit of giving and support within the community with a special focus on Troy University’s partnership with local organizations.

The festival’s success is largely attributed to the tremendous efforts of community partners. Angel Walker, Executive Director of the Macon-Russell Community Action Agency, and other volunteers worked tirelessly to provide food and drinks.

Another key highlight of the event was the generous donation and distribution of nearly 300 winter coats to families in need, made possible by the people at T.O.U.C.D.E.D (Teaching Others Until Changed). The coat drive was a heartwarming gesture, demonstrating the compassion and unity of the Chattahoochee Valley community.

The Fall Festival also served as the United Way Campaign kickoff for the Troy University Phenix City Campus. This year’s Campaign Kickoff was particularly special as it focused on supporting local organizations and initiatives that provide crucial services to families and children in the Chattahoochee Valley. The university’s commitment to making a difference was evident in its collaborative efforts with organizations such as Phenix City Elementary School, Phenix City Housing Authority, TEARS, and Enrichment Services. This year’s campaign is particularly special as Phenix City’s Campus Vice Chancellor, Dr. Dionne Rosser-Mims, serves as the Campaign Chair for the entire United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley fundraising efforts.

Phenix City Elementary School, a local community school in partnership with the United Way, is one of the key beneficiaries of this campaign. Through the partnership, Troy University aims to ensure students have the resources and support they need to succeed in school and beyond. The Phenix City Housing Authority, another valued partner, provides affordable housing to families in need. By contributing to the United Way Campaign, Troy University is helping ensure that these families receive the assistance they require to build a better future.

The Annual Fall Festival was not just a celebration but a reminder of the power of collaboration and the positive impact a united community can have, said TROY Community Engagement Coordinator Payton Linder.

“This event is one of the biggest highlights of our year, if not the biggest,” Linder said. “We love seeing all of our neighbors and community partners on campus engaging with one another in a family-friendly, safe environment. We cannot wait to see them all again next year.”