Charitable Contributions
We love and support the charities of Northwest Arkansas!
The Committee for Mardi Gras, Inc. is a registered 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
Northwest Arkansas Food Bank
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 2027 by our reigning King & Queen, J Aleczander and Elizabeth Cunninghang, is The Attic Thrift Store! In addition, we are pleased to announce our continued support for our Operating Charity, Canopy Northwest Arkansas! 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:
THE ATTIC THRIFT STORE
We are delighted to be chosen as one of the charities supported by Fayetteville Mardi Gras 2027. The Attic Thrift Store has a rich heritage in our community. Many of our customers, volunteers and donators have participated in our mission for years. Established in 1959 by the Women’s Auxiliary of the City Hospital, we are the oldest thrift store in Fayetteville.
Fayetteville City Hospital closed its doors in 1990, but The Attic has carried on the mission of raising money to improve health in the community. The Attic is a non-profit, volunteer driven retail outlet now located at 3340 North College Ave (Suite # 6). The business model is simple and efficient. We receive and recycle all donated goods and resell them at greatly discounted prices.
The money raised is used primarily to fund scholarships for nurses and individuals entering other health related fields. Betty Battenfield, the founding chair of the College of Education and Health Professions’ nursing program at the University of Arkansas was a leader at the Attic for over 20 years and we continue to honor her legacy by our focus on nursing scholarships. The Attic also donates funds annually to support other non profit organizations in the community such as CEO, area Food Banks, Hospice Organizations, Community Clinic, Welcome Health, KUAF and others. In 2026, we have donated $61,577 back into the community with the majority going to scholarship funds.
Scholarship recipients volunteer 100 hours of their time at the thrift store. As one recipient said, “It is a beautiful thing. I am receiving much needed funds for my tuition, but the volunteer time is rich. I am working with retired nurses who have wisdom to offer. All the volunteers are beautiful people. I am ‘giving back’ to the community as well. It is cool to be a part of something so special!”
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: