Sarah Clark is a dynamo. No doubt about it. I’ve enjoyed getting to know Sarah over the past several years through her business, Bay Gourmet, and her event space, Crown Hall. Anyone who knows Sarah understands that she gets things done, has a huge heart, and thoroughly enjoys entertaining at the highest level.

We have written stories about Sarah and her team of talented people in a couple of issues of Scenic 98 Coastal. The first was when she opened her first Crown Hall event space in the former Red Cross building at Dauphin and Broad Street in Mobile. This was just as COVID began, and I was amazed at how her business survived in those trying times, but she persevered as she always does.

More recently, Sarah purchased almost a square block of historic buildings on St. Louis Street and renovated the new Crown Hall into one of the largest private event spaces in the State of Alabama (30,000 sf). It’s beautifully done and equipped to handle parties and entertainment from small, cozy events to huge blowout parties, whatever the celebration.

A couple of years ago, Scenic 98 Coastal collaborated with Sarah to host our first South by South wine dinner. It was so much fun and included a South African-themed menu paired with South African wines. It was a big success, and Sarah pulled it off flawlessly. Needless to say, I’m a big fan of Sarah Clark.

Sarah’s mom, Mary Ellen Clark, recently passed away. I attended the service to pay my respects to Sarah and her family, but I was also curious where Sarah got her chutzpah. Following the service, I understood.

It turns out, Sarah’s mother’s illness happened quickly, and her absence will be felt throughout the community. Several people spoke during the eulogy, including Japonicas Thurman, Executive Director of McKemie Place, a home for homeless women located in Mobile. McKemie Place is the region’s only emergency shelter for unaccompanied homeless women in Mobile and Baldwin Counties. Sarah’s mom, Mary Clark, served on McKemie Place's board from its inception.

Sarah says that as her mother's end neared, Mary told her family two things: “I want to be buried in the Memorial Gardens at Providence Presbyterian Church in Mobile, and I want to help make McKemie Place successful.” As the service continued, I learned that Mary served as pastor at Providence Presbyterian and was inspired to create the Memorial Gardens in the woods behind the church, where she now rests in peace.

Before her mother’s demise, I saw a Facebook post from Bay Gourmet announcing they were hosting a fundraising event at Crown Hall called The Final Play for the Georgia vs. Ole Miss game to benefit McKemie Place. I reached out to Sarah to learn more about the event and the fundraiser's purpose. We visited at Crown Hall, and here is a little background:

“Mom loved McKemie Place and was very involved, serving on its board and helping out any way she could. When this event was planned, we all expected Mom to be here, but then she was diagnosed with cancer that had spread throughout her body. I’m determined to carry out her wishes to save McKemie Place.”

Sarah tells me they held the first fundraiser for McKemie Place at the original Crown Hall just after they opened in 2019. “We raised $75,000, which allowed them to make a down payment of a 50-bed facility.”

Now, McKemie Place faces closure if they don’t raise enough funds to refinance the building by year-end. “The board has secured a new financial package offering an "extremely ridiculously low interest rate,” says Sarah. “I’m determined to make this happen, thus the big emphasis on this event we are calling The Final Play.”

She tells me about the homeless women situation in Mobile and Baldwin Counties. “This is the only shelter for homeless women in the area. Sheriff departments from both sides of Mobile Bay bring women to McKemie Place because it’s the only shelter available for unaccompanied women. There is no other option.”

In addition, McKemie Place has two “respite” beds for homeless women who have just received cancer treatments and have no place to recover. “Do you know what a difficult situation that is?” says Sarah passionately. “Where are they to go?” She tells me that McKemie Place receives discharged homeless from local area hospitals almost everyday, and many nurses volunteer their time to help these women recover after treatment.

McKemie Place cycles through roughly 450 homeless women each year. They operate on a minimal budget with an active group of volunteers. They receive some funding from the City of Mobile, and rely on grant writers for a majority of funding.

“They need more grant writers and more corporate partners to help with mortgage payments to keep the doors open. “This is an act of love. To me, this is a basic requirement that any community of our size should support. We are talking about basic essentials to help people get back on their feet.”

“McKemie Place offers an opportunity to take in women who need help to live independently. It’s almost impossible to receive any kind of assistance without an address and contact information.” Then Sarah says, “Why are we struggling to support 50 beds in our community to help homeless women going through traumatic situations?”

The Final Play, the Georgia - Ole Miss game, watch party will be held on November 7 beginning at game time (6:30 PM) at Crown Hall. There is plenty of parking. Televisions will be set up, and Sarah hopes to have 150 to 200 people attend. “The more the better,” she says. “I hope we can exceed $100,000 in donations. Mom would love that!”

The Final Play will include all the food and entertainment, plus a silent auction and a raffle every 30 minutes throughout the game. There will be a cash bar and music by Dirty Fridays. Plan to get together as a group, regardless of allegiance, and have a great time cheering on your favorite team for a great cause. Linda and I will be there cheering on both teams, but especially McKemie Place!

Please purchase tickets: General Admission: $100 each or Couples: $175.

The Final Play: Same Game, Bigger Purpose: Support for McKemie Place