Charitable Contributions
We love and support the charities of Northwest Arkansas!
The Committee for Mardi Gras, Inc. is a 501C3 Non-Profit organization, and proceeds from our annual event are donated each year to a local charity.
From our Mission Statement:
It is our intent to make what charitable donations we can. When and where possible it is our intent to provide a venue, free of charge, to other public service and charitable organizations.
It is our mission to bring an influx of business to the Dickson Street area at a time of year that is otherwise low on cash flow. To this end it is not our intention to engage in commercial activities in direct competition with those businesses within our areas of operation.
Each year we raise funds from parade registrations, sponsorships, and donations from the community and businesses to pay expenses for the parade, and to support one or more local charities. The charities are chosen each year by our Royalty, and a check is presented at our after-party. Over the years, the Committee for Mardi Gras, Inc. has contributed thousands of dollars to our favorite charities.
Supporting the Fayetteville Mardi Gras means supporting the organizations in our area that make Northwest Arkansas shine!
Here is a list of some of the charities we have contributed to over the years:
7hills Homeless Center
Community Creative Center’s Wheel Mobile
Peace at Home Family Shelter
This Year’s Charities:
For the first time ever, this year we will be contributing to TWO separate charities! Your donation dollars and sponsorships will go to support these vital organizations in our communities. Thank you!
We are pleased to announce the charity chosen for 2026 by our reigning King & Queen, Becky and Greg Reed, is Northwest Arkansas Food Bank! In addition, we are pleased to announce our continued support for our Operating Charity, Canopy Northwest Arkansas, our charity from last year! Each year we raise money through sponsorships, and donate them to one local charity, chosen by our royalty. We are thrilled to support both of these charities this year. Here’s a little info about them:
NORTHWEST ARKANSAS FOOD BANK
The Northwest Arkansas Food Bank serves as a regional distribution warehouse, working with more than 100 agency partners across Washington, Benton, Carroll, and Madison counties. There are six Feeding America food banks in Arkansas, and each partners with local food pantries within their service area. Those food pantries, such as St. James, Cooperative Emergency Outreach (CEO), Samaritan Center, and Salvation Army, are some of the organizations that directly distribute food to our neighbors in need.
What We Believe
We believe in the power of community. We collaborate and build strong relationships, based on trust, with and among those who share our vision. We work together to accomplish the mission in our regions, valuing each other’s roles and using an open process and honest communication. We seek out and are responsive to the input and counsel of our staff and member agencies.
NO ONE SHOULD GO HUNGRY
In Northwest Arkansas there are more than 95,000 men, women, senior citizens, and children that face hunger every day. The number of hungry people has increased in the past years, but the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank continues to fight for everyone to have access to nutritious food to eat.
OUR MISSION & VISION
OUR MISSION is to nourish Northwest Arkansas communities by feeding hungry people.
OUR VISION is to be the leader in hunger relief by building partnerships with other hunger relief organizations.
Your dollars will go a long way in supporting the mission of the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank, and the residents in our communities that benefit from their generosity and programs.
To learn more about Canopy NWA or support their programs, visit the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank’s website.
Canopy NWA: Welcoming Refugees, Empowering Communities
In Northwest Arkansas, Canopy NWA stands as a beacon of hope and empowerment for refugee families. Since its founding, Canopy has resettled over 900 individuals, helping them transition to life in the United States and equipping them with the tools to thrive. From securing safe housing and employment to offering mental health workshops, youth programs, and entrepreneurship opportunities, Canopy’s comprehensive services ensure that refugees feel supported every step of the way.
One of Canopy’s most innovative initiatives is the Long Welcome program, which extends wrap-around support for up to five years after a refugee family’s arrival. This holistic approach helps families move through four key phases—basic needs, stability, readiness, and thriving. By addressing immediate needs while fostering long-term independence and cultural integration, the Long Welcome ensures that refugee families not only survive but thrive as full, contributing members of their community.
Through the Path to Thriving, refugees achieve milestones like financial independence, access to education and healthcare, and deep social connections.
Another highlight of Canopy’s work is the Cottage Industry/Inspired Hands initiative, empowering women artisans from Afghanistan and Syria to share their handmade goods with the local market. This program offers a bridge between cultures while promoting financial independence and self-confidence.
With the support of partners like Fayetteville Mardi Gras, Canopy can continue its mission of welcoming families, empowering individuals, and enriching Northwest Arkansas with the diversity and resilience of its newest neighbors.
To learn more about Canopy NWA or support their programs, visit Canopy NWA’s website.
Thank you for your support of the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank and Canopy Northwest Arkansas this year. To help support these amazing charities, please consider becoming a sponsor!
If you would like to simply make a donation, please click the button below to donate through our fundraising platform, Zeffy: