When London Huie joined The Phoenix Club of Birmingham in 2022, he didn't know how transformative the experience would be — not just for the young people he'd mentor, but also for his own career and connections within the community.
The Phoenix Club of Birmingham is an organization that provides developmental opportunities for young professional men to become social, business, and philanthropic leaders.
And Huie’s work extends far beyond the club itself. Proceeds from fundraising efforts are donated directly to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Alabama (BGCCA), which provides a safe environment for local youth to learn, grow, and succeed with ongoing mentoring relationships from caring, qualified adult professionals.
Leading with purpose
Responsible for planning new member events and organizing fundraisers and volunteers, Huie has been active with the organization since he joined. From teen nights playing basketball to career fairs in collaboration with local businesses, Huie grew into his role as Co-VP of External Events, helping The Phoenix Club of Birmingham connect with and mentor local kids.
Huie organizes two of the organization's largest fundraisers of the year: a Par 3 Golf Tournament and the annual Phoenix Ball — events that produce their most significant donations to the BGCCA every year. The Phoenix Ball alone raised more than $50,000 in gross ticket sales, with Huie leading ticket sales overall.
Planning these events requires significant dedication, including 40-plus hours of volunteering and a two-hour monthly board meeting. But for Huie, the investment has paid dividends in ways he never expected.
Indeed, as a result of his efforts, Huie secured a $10,000 donation from the MassMutual Foundation to benefit The Phoenix Club of Birmingham.
Helping future leaders learn how to dress to impress
One of Huie's fondest memories volunteering was helping youth from the club shop for dress clothes. The clothing store provided suits, shirts, and ties at no cost, outfitting the students to participate in Youth of the Year competitions, which recognize outstanding leadership among Boys & Girls Club members nationwide.
"They were so appreciative and excited about being able to pick out new clothes, and it resonated with me since I work in an industry where professional appearance is important," said Huie.
The dress clothes helped make students feel confident and prepared to compete and give speeches on stage — small acts of support that can make a lasting difference in a young person's life.
Each year, the MassMutual Foundation awards donations — ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 — to help nonprofit organizations with which MassMutual financial professionals are involved.
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