2025 Children’s Charities
A Carnival Community Focus Program
The Carnival Memphis Children’s Charity Initiative (CCI) was developed in 1999 to assist those who improve the quality of life for children throughout the community. Each year different agencies are selected to receive funds raised by Carnival and the Grand Krewes of Carnival Memphis at fundraisers throughout the year. Since the inception of the CCI (a 501c3 non-profit), over $5,000,000 with matching funds has been donated to local children’s charities.
Liza's Light was established to honor the memory and legacy of Liza Wellford Fletcher, a former UofM soccer player, avid runner, beloved teacher, and an inspiring figure in the Memphis community; this fund is dedicated to building a state-of-the-art facility for the University of Memphis women’s and men’s soccer and track and field teams, and local community.
For more information visit: https://www.lizaslight.org/
Since 1850 Porter-Leath has been a primary resource for children and families in the Mid-South.
Our mission is empowering children and families to achieve a healthy, optimal and independent lifestyle. By focusing on the essential building blocks of healthy development, Porter-Leath not only gives them access to the tools they need but also a sense of hope.
For more information visit: https://www.porterleath.org/
Celebrating their 25th anniversary, Stax Music Academy provides music education and unique performance opportunities to inspire primarily young people to enhance their academic and leadership skills and become facilitators of community change.
The Soulsville Foundation perpetuates the soul of Stax Records by preserving its rich cultural legacy, educating youth to be prepared for life's success, and inspiring future artists to achieve their dreams.
For more information visit: https://staxmusicacademy.org/
Previous Children’s Charity Initiative Recipients
2024
2023
Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital Seacrest Studio
2022
2020
Redzone Ministries
Thrive Memphis
Scouting Deserts
2019
Neighborhood Christian Centers, Inc.
Palmer Home for Children
Porter Leath
2018
Agape Child & Family Services
Emmanuel Center
Memphis Athletic Ministries
2017
The Erika Center at Bodine School
The Church Health Center
Knowledge Quest
2016
Best Buddies Tennessee
The Exchange Club Family Center
Stax Music Academy
2015
Madonna Learning Center
Peer Power Foundation
RedZone Ministries
2014
BAPTIST Kemmons Wilson Family Center for Good Grief
JIFF
Binghampton Christian Academy
2013
Perea Preschool
2012
Boy Scouts of America Scout Reach Program for the Raleigh-Frayser Area
School Advocates for Vision in Education (S.A.V.E.)
2011
Shelby Residential Vocational Service (SRVS)
2010
Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital
2009
Memphis Oral School for the Deaf
2008
Carnival Memphis Kids Café (Memphis Food Bank)
2007
United Cerebral Palsy of the Mid-South
2006
Shelby Residential Vocational Service (SRVS)
2005
Carnival Memphis Kids Café (Memphis Food Bank)
SMART
2004
Memphis Oral School for the Deaf
2003
Porter Leath Children’s Center
2002
Shelby Residential Vocational Service (SRVS)
Special Cargo (United Cerebral Palsy)
2001
Memphis Oral School for the Deaf
Perea Preschool
Shepherd School
2000
1999
Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis
Calvary Exodus Ministry