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Heart The ROUND TOP SPONSORED PARTNER INSIDE VIEW of Greater Round Top Susannah Mikulin, CEO of the Greater Fayette Community Foundation, Kicks Off a Series of Conversations with Local Philanthropists on Giving, Community, and Legacy. C reativity and community blend seamlessly in Round Top, and Modern Marla founder Marla H u r l e y a n d a r t i s t L a u ra Goodson are redefining what philanthropy can look like in a rural setting. Last fall, the pair hosted their second Cowboy Couture charity fashion show, creating a runway with a purpose during the Round Top Antiques & Design Show. Ticket sales from the high-energy fashion event at Henkle Square Market benefited the Red Door Fund for Mental Health (RDF), a program of the Greater Fayette Community Foundation (GFCF), ensuring that rural residents have greater access to much-needed mental health resources. For Hurley and Goodson, partnering with GFCF was deeply personal. "The Red Door Fund's mission to advocate for mental health and break the stigma in rural communities hits home for both of us," Hurley says. "GFCF makes philanthropy local and accessible, helping people like us turn ideas into impact." In the Greater Round Top area — where art, culture, and history blend seamlessly — philanthropy is at the heart of community life. In this interview series with Susannah Mikulin, CEO of the Greater Fayette Community Foundation, we highlight the generous individuals and families fostering a culture of giving in greater Round Top and making a lasting impact by supporting the nonprofit sector in this rural region. Goodson adds, "We wanted every aspect of the show to reflect community care. Supporting RDF through GFCF meant we could channel the energy of Round Top's creative scene into something that truly helps people." The power duo's fashion show served as a reminder that philanthropy often blooms from a place of personal experience. "We both have experiences that made the mission resonate," Hurley says. "Mental health matters everywhere — but rural communities need even more support." Understanding that every local business can find its own creative way to give back, they used this opportunity to spark positive conversations about compassion and awareness. As GFCF prepares to launch its annual Red Door Fund campaign this February, both Hurley and Goodson encourage everyone to join the movement by decorating their doors red to advocate for mental health and show support for neighbors who may be struggling. Learn more about the Red Door Fund for Mental Health and its awareness campaign in February at greaterfayette.com. LEIGH MICHAEL Marla Hurley, Laura Goodson 30