Celebrating Champions for Children: A Day of Honor, Inspiration, and Fundraising

On January 31st, we gathered at the Hilton on County Line Road in Jackson, MS, for an unforgettable celebration of our Champions for Children. The luncheon, held to support Mississippi Families for Kids (MFFK), was a meaningful opportunity to reflect on last year’s accomplishments, look ahead to next steps, and raise funds for critical programs that uplift children and families.

Honoring the Champions

The heart of the event was, of course, honoring the remarkable individuals who have driven MFFK’s success.

This year’s honorees include:

• Martha Ulmer, Corporate Champion: A long-time board member and advocate, Martha has worked tirelessly to secure grants, build community partnerships, and support life-changing initiatives like the Youth Leadership Camp and Wendy’s Workforce development project.
• Addy Keith, Community Champion: Addy’s financial expertise and passion for service have helped raise essential funds and sustain the agency. Her dedication to finding a permanent home for MFFK is just one example of her incredible commitment.
• Avis Lloyd, Family Champion: Avis’ dedication to making every child feel like family has left an indelible mark on the organization, particularly through her work with Respite Services and the Help Me Grow system.
• Zacchaeus Cloy, Gen Z Champion: Since the age of 15, Zacch has volunteered his time and talents, helping at events like the Youth Leadership Camp and the annual Christmas Celebration. His creativity and passion continue to inspire us all.

The luncheon was not just about honoring our champions but also about bringing together supporters and members of the community in a celebration of shared values. It was a great day for connecting with friends, meeting new faces, and showing appreciation for those who work so hard to make MFFK’s mission a reality. We seek to provide ongoing assistance, guidance, and additional services for children and families of adoption, foster care, and placement. We are here to walk with you on this path of compassion in action.

Beyond the recognition of our champions, attendees were treated to an exciting silent auction filled with fantastic items and a thrilling “drawdown” fundraising game. These fun activities added to the energy of the event while also helping raise much-needed funds for our programs.

A special highlight of the event was a wonderful performance by Jackson State University’s MADDRAMA (Making A Difference Doing Respectable And Meaningful Art!), a theater group known for their powerful and creative performances. The group put together a performance tailored specifically to MFFK, capturing the spirit of our mission and the incredible work we do. Their talents left the audience inspired and moved.

While we celebrated our 2023 accomplishments, the luncheon also gave us the chance to outline our goals for 2024. With the funds raised at this event, we’ll continue to expand our programs, enhance our services, and ensure that Mississippi’s children and families receive the support they deserve.

Thank you to everyone who joined us, purchased tickets, donated, and participated in our auction and drawdown. Your generosity makes it possible for MFFK to continue growing and making a difference.

If you couldn’t make it this time, it’s not too late to support our mission! You can donate by visiting mffk.org/donations or join us next year!