Mary Joy Moosman Foundation hosts Joy on Avenue C
BY JOHN BRICE
THE LAFAYETTE SUN
WEST POINT — Community members gathered in West Point on Saturday evening for Joy on Avenue C, a holiday event hosted by the Mary Joy Moosman Foundation that combined festive cheer with a mission of giving back.
The evening featured a tunnel of Christmas lights for visitors to stroll through, along with complimentary hot chocolate, Christmas carols and a visit from Santa. Foundation member Angie Robinson said the event was created to honor the memory of her granddaughter, Mary Joy Moosman.
“It is in memory and honor of Mary Joy Moosman, my granddaughter, who was killed in May 2024,” Robinson said. “We wanted to give something back to the community because the community has been so wonderful in supporting our lemonade stand and our Joy Ride. Our mission is to spread joy, kindness and love, and this was just a way to give joy to people.”
Robinson also described the different elements of the event, many of which were connected to the foundation’s ongoing scholarship efforts.
“We have Santa under the tree, merchandise that’s also available on our website, Christmas ornaments, hats and warm items,” she said. “Most of it is offered for a suggested donation to the scholarship fund. We also have hot cocoa, cookies, and a singer — Anthony — who is performing a cappella.”
The event also highlighted the foundation’s broader mission to support students through scholarships established in Mary Joy’s honor.
“Mary Joy was a distinguished honor graduate who worked two jobs and had just been accepted to the University of Georgia,” Robinson said. “She was a top-16 cheerleader in the state of Georgia, captain of the soccer team and president of the National Honor Society. We offer cheerleading, academic and soccer scholarships, and this year we are also giving four 4-H scholarships in each district across Georgia because she was very active in 4-H.”
Robinson added that the family refers to their work as “bringing MARYment,” a play on Mary Joy’s name that reflects their commitment to spreading joy in her memory.
Mary Joy’s mother, Amber Naomi Robinson Moosman said the event took place on what would have been her eldest daughter’s 26th birthday. Rather than celebrating with a party, the family chose to honor her life by giving back to the community.
Keeping Mary Joy’s spirit alive through acts of kindness and service, Moosman said, remains at the heart of everything the family and foundation do.
