By DAVE DOMESCIK | Staff Writer

MONTEVALLO – Rachel Phillips never imagined that within a single month, her dream of supporting Montevallo’s creative community would take a giant leap toward reality. But now, the owner of Meri Moon is officially under contract for a downtown building that will soon become home to the Made in Montevallo Foundation—a new nonprofit built to serve the town that helped rebuild her life.

“This town took care of me,” Phillips said. “They continue to show up and take care of me, and they do it for each other—and I love that.”

The Made in Montevallo Foundation will provide resources and space for local makers, students, small business owners and entrepreneurs—what Phillips calls “people with heart and hustle”—who need just the right environment to grow.

“It’s designed to support the entire town,” she said. “We’ve got big ideas and big dreams, but we’ve got to get the building done first right now. I’m in fundraising mode.”

That push begins with the nonprofit’s debut event, Sunset in the Grove, set for Saturday, July 12, from 5 to 9 p.m. in the pecan grove behind the Main Street buildings.

The evening will feature the Montevallo’s Got Talent showcase, food trucks, vendor booths, dessert stands, games, face painting and a VIP area with swag and drink tickets. Admission is free, and all proceeds will go directly toward renovating the future Main Street incubator space.

That space will house shared office space, retail booths and storage solutions—all aimed at removing barriers for locals who want to turn their passion into a profession.

“I want to offer a path for people who want to do what they love and don’t mind working their tails off to do it,” Phillips said. “If we as a foundation can help their path to success be any easier, that’s what I want to do.”

The idea behind Made in Montevallo predates Phillips’ business, Meri Moon, but she said the foundation is a natural extension of the same joy and community-focused mission.

“At Meri Moon, I got to know people based on their drink orders,” she said. “Now, I’m getting to know people for what they do in the community and what they enjoy in their lives.”

Though the building renovation is the first priority, Phillips is already dreaming further ahead—to scholarships for local students, small business mentorships and broader community partnerships.

“If everyone in the community will pick one way to help—whether that’s being a visionary, volunteering or fundraising—then I feel like it’s unstoppable,” she said. “I want this to be a blessing to the community, and I want the community to be a blessing to it.”

The July 12 event is both a fundraiser and a celebration of what’s possible in a town like Montevallo.

“We’re building something beautiful,” Phillips said. “Right here. Together.”