Our Mission
Melted Crayons Mission is dedicated to empowering children impacted by hardship and disaster with a focus on family home fires. With new art supplies, our extended support, and the desire to quickly fill an empty space with new color, we are proud and honored to fulfill a need in our community and beyond as we grow everyday, in a stronger and steady way.
Our Operation
Melted Crayons Mission is a grassroots initiative led by artist Jeffrey Alumbaugh, with additional support from a trusted advisory and operations board of three dedicated mothers. While we’re not officially registered as a nonprofit yet, we’ve built the structure, transparency, and oversight you’d expect from one.
Our operating costs are covered by monetary sponsors, in-kind sponsors, contributors, and donations. We provide a transparent overview of the operation's activity to the public on the Mission Reports page.
Our Non-Profit Commitment
We strongly feel that building a resource rich network and a solid base prior to a non-profit 501(c)(3) status is extremely important for proper and stable growth. This 'Learn the Ropes' approach ensures that high levels of efficiency and resources are already in place when the nonprofit status becomes official. This is also valuable for future grants and support when proof of the organization's prosperity is requested.
Obtaining our official 501(c)(3) status is a part of the future operating structure. We have this forward and calculated step penciled in for mid-2027, feeling that that's a reasonable target date for being fully registered. This future step forward will be solid and will be a direct reflection of our long-term commitment to operating with continued integrity, transparency, and a clear focus on meaningful impact.
Overview of the Volunteer Board
The MCM volunteer board is comprised of four passionate individuals who believe deeply in the mission. Each relationship spans several years, and each person brings unique insight and a shared commitment to the prosperity and purpose of Melted Crayons Mission. Their support ensures that we move forward with clarity, structure, and strong momentum.
Meet the Board
Jeffrey Alumbaugh Founder/President
Jeffrey is the heart and vision behind Melted Crayons Mission. As Founder and President—with 30 years of experience in the large visual arts industry—he leads program development, community outreach, and daily operations. His creative leadership drives the mission forward, and he works closely with the board to ensure integrity, transparency, and impact in every crayon we melt.
Brenda Overton Treasurer
Brenda’s background and natural sense of responsibility bring a strong layer of trust and structure to Melted Crayons Mission. She approaches the financial side of the mission with calm, clarity, and a sharp eye for detail. Brenda ensures that every expense is accounted for and that all financial documentation is accurate and transparent—building confidence with donors, partners, and the communities we serve.
Donna Hill-Bieling Board Member (Advisory & Outreach Support)
Donna brings a big heart and a belief in the power of kindness to her role at Melted Crayons Mission. Based outside Detroit, she provides supportive insight as a remote board member and also plays a hands-on part by personally delivering supplies to kids in her community. Her involvement reflects the spirit of MCM—connection, compassion, and small actions that make a big difference.
Heather Shaw-Theisen Board Member (Advisory & Outreach Support)
Heather's thoughtful perspective and kind spirit bring great value to the Melted Crayons Mission family. Though based out of state, her quiet support and steady encouragement have played a meaningful role behind the scenes. Her presence on the board brings a high level of respect and trust from the rest of the team, making her an invaluable part of MCM’s foundation.
A Word from Jeffrey
Melted Crayons Mission is my way of paying it forward. I’ve been fortunate to build a fantastic career in the arts—something I don’t take for granted. This mission is rooted in gratitude and human connection, especially for children who’ve lost everything in a home fire. When a child’s world is turned upside down, it isn't solely about art supplies. It’s about restoring a sense of safety, expression, and joy when it’s needed most.
