COMMUNICATIONS

This website was created in 2014 by John Smyth with the services of Blue Fox Creative. Most recently, the site was updated in 2021 by John Smyth's team with the services of Engageyourbiz.

FUNDRAISING

Nella Genovese, Co-Chairperson
Gabriella Iacovetti, Co-Chairperson

Nella and Gabriella are both from Bella Vista and have been instrumental in fundraising over $30,000 in cash and services by conducting two very successful community fundraisers titled “A Taste of Our Neighborhoods”. These fundraisers included major food, beverage and raffle/auction gift donations from the local business community and cash donations from each of our alliance organizations. These funds were used to complete purchases and major improvements at the South Street Police Detail “Mini-Station”. A website was completed and a Police Recognition event was held at Brauhaus Schmitz located at 718 South Street on Thursday evening, January 30, 2014.

The Friends received a $5,000 grant from the state Department of Community and Economic Development, and has been actively selling t-shirts to support further efforts.

IMPROVEMENT

In just the last three years alone the Friends of the South Street Mini-Station has completed the following:

• The front of the South Street Police Detail “Mini Station” was renovated by painting the office sections, replacing the existing ceiling tile system and installing a new HVAC system. A major agency donated used furniture, Shelly Electric donated numerous light fixtures and installed them at cost and the South Street Headhouse District replaced the existing carpet.
• The IT network was further enhanced with three new computers, software upgrades, a printer and Wi-Fi. Furthermore, numerous police bikes were replaced or repaired and several police bike patrol uniforms were supplied.
• Recently, we completed the new website and we helped fund the Police Recognition event at Brauhaus Schmitz on Thursday, January 30, 2014.
• The rear section of the “Mini Station” is the next area scheduled to be renovated which is in need of a new HVAC system and painting.