Support the Family of Kelly Russell (Malicya & 2 girls)

Hello all! My name is Christa Bronnenberg, owner of Bee Inspired Discovery Center in Fort Madison, Iowa. Over the last several months I’ve had the privilege of getting to know an incredible family whom I continually use as an example when speaking about the center. Kelly, Malicya, Wrenly (2), and Anelia (10 months) frequent Bee Inspired with their girls. From the moment I met them, the amount of love and attention they gave their two girls caught my attention. Whether they were building forts, obstacle courses, singing and dancing during Music for Minis, playing in the sensory bins on Messy Mondays, it was clear they had a special family bond and their world revolved around their girls. They worked so well together, were present and intentional and I rarely saw a phone in their hand unless they were snapping a photo.

Tragically, Kelly left this world far too soon leaving behind the love of his life and his two beautiful girls. As the family’s primary financial provider, his loss has created not only deep emotional pain, but also financial uncertainty for Malicya, who has primarily stayed home to raise their girls, picking up hours when she could at a local childcare center.

This fundraiser is to help ease some of the burden for Malicya during this incredibly difficult time—whether it’s for basic needs, rent, bills, or the extra support the girls may need in the months ahead. Every donation, no matter the size, is a way to honor Kelly’s memory and show this family that they are not alone.

Let’s come together as a community, just like Kelly and Malicya always did for their children, and give this beautiful family the support and love they so deeply deserve.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Christa Bronnenberg