ATLANTA, GA— When a family of five Birmingham, Alabama children lost both parents to COVID-19 late last year, the mother’s sister, who has seven children of her own, became their guardian.

Christian and Amber Fletcher, co-founders of the Atlanta-based Fletcher Fund for Equality and Education, were moved to lend their support. The Fletcher Fund immediately made donations of full-ride scholarships to each of the oldest three children for the college of their choice. Additionally, the Fletcher Fund donated new furniture to help accommodate the extended family.

Christian Fletcher is CEO of LifeBrite Laboratories, which is located in DeKalb County.

“When I read it,” said Christian Fletcher, “I thought, ‘This could be my children… or anyone I know and love.’ I felt moved to do something.”

Fletcher lost his own father at a young age and identifies with the grief associated with losing a parent.

The Fletcher Fund donated full-ride scholarships to the oldest three children for the college of their choice and gave new furniture to Francesca McCall to help accommodate the new members of her household.

For the Fletcher Fund, support is more than a one-time donation.

“When the news cameras leave and everyone else moves on with their lives, they’ll need support beyond the financial,” Fletcher explains. “If it’s anything like what I went through when I lost my father, this is their reality for years to come. We would like them to continue to contact us even beyond the scholarship period, whether it’s for material support or just a word of advice or encouragement. We’ll be there.”

About The Fletcher Fund

The Fletcher Fund for Equality and Education invests in exceptional students from underserved communities as they pursue opportunities in higher education. Through scholarships, mentorships and critical support, the Fund takes an unmatched approach to break down barriers to achievement in higher education, open lives to boundless vision and cultivate a cycle of education, wealth and leadership that uplifts communities for generations to come.

For more information, visit fletcherfund.com, or contact: cmoorer@fletcherfund.com or 251-591-6135.