IMPROVING CHILDREN’S LIVES IN THE GREATER METRO AREA, THROUGH SERVICE SINCE 2006.
Our Mission
Carney’s Kids Foundation, through community events, fundraising activities, and media exposure, provides financial support and creates positive publicity for non-profit organizations whose primary goal is to improve the lives of children and young adults. We support organizations seeking to enhance the quality of children’s lives by improving their physical, emotional and mental health. Our mission is to provide educational assistance, improve the environments of children living outside a family home, support families in need, and provide disadvantaged children with pathways to their own potential.
Throughout the year, Carney’s Kids hosts community events, and creates fundraising opportunities as a way for the community to work through us to serve the children and young adults of our region. Our Board meets monthly to plan events and to discuss the needs of our partner charities, as well as those who have reached out to us in need, to determine how we can be of service. We are humbly grateful to be able to share the generosity and goodwill of our sponsors and donors to enrich and improve the lives of so many young people throughout the St. Louis community and beyond. Carney’s Kids provides an opportunity for you, our generous donors, and for us as well, to be a hero in the life of a child. Thank you.
Our History
Carney’s Kids Foundation was established in 2006, when radio personality John Carney decided to shift his energy from charity appearances to fundraising efforts that had a meaningful impact for children.
The organization’s first Executive Director was Joanie Protzel. In 2014, Suzanne Carney assumed the position of Executive Director to support the organization’s transition toward a sustainable vision. In 2015, Carney’s Kids Foundation recruited Kris Parsons to serve as its third Executive Director. Under Parsons’ leadership the organization established key processes, policies, and strategies to help the organization attain financial stability. Mel Weith joined the Board in 2015 and served as the Executive Director’s position from 2017 to 2021. During this time, the Board expanded from helping just five local charities to over thirty, with awards totaling over $110,000 per year. In 2022, Board Member Bridget Nations was elected as Executive Director, and the Foundation continues to grow.
Major Programming and Activity Additions (2015 - Present)
CarneyVal – This late-Winter event replaced former annual fundraiser, Spooktacular. With increased attendance, sponsorship, and auction items, CarneyVal became Carney’s Kids most successful fundraiser to-date.
Giving Tuesday and Give STL Day – Carney’s Kids Foundation participated in two annual giving initiatives coordinated by the Community Foundation of Greater St. Louis. These events focused on online giving to St. Louis-based non-profits.
Trick Or Trivia - A Halloween themed trivia night, held virtually in 2020 and 2021. In 2022, we were grateful to return to a live format; hosting the event at T.A.S.K. in Fenton, who is one of our partner charities. Teams competed in a friendly atmosphere to answer questions about a variety of categories, with great food, refreshments, raffles, and prizes.
Taste of Restaurant Tuesday Second Edition – A follow up cookbook published by John Carney with highlighting famous recipes from St. Louis local restaurants. All proceeds from the book go directly to Carney’s Kids Foundation and can be purchased in the online store.
Candycane Lane - In both 2021 and 2022, the Carney’s Kids’ Board has welcomed the chance to spend an evening on “Candycane Lane” in the St. Louis Hills neighborhood. The festively decorated street draws visitors from far and wide, and the neighborhood association invites local charities to accept donations during that time. Carney’s Kids is grateful to the those who have supported us, and our partner charities, on these special evenings.
Major Programming and Activities (2006 - 2015)
Annual Spooktacular – A Halloween themed fundraiser with comedy entertainment, costumes, and a silent auction. All proceeds from the event went directly to Carney’s Kids Foundation partner charities.
Taste of Restaurant Tuesday – A cookbook published by John Carney with highlighting famous recipes from St. Louis local restaurants. All proceeds from the book went directly to Carney’s Kids Foundation partner charities.
Individual hosted charities – Other organizations including the St. Patrick’s Day committee, the Corvette Club and Hallmark Stone previously held independent fundraisers with the proceeds going to Carney’s Kids Foundation.
Litzsinger School End of the Year Picnic – Carney’s Kids Foundation’s contributions to the Litzsinger School enabled the school to host an end of the year picnic to celebrate its students and connect with parents. This has become an annual event that is a highlight of Litzsinger’s academic year to celebrate the students that the school serves.
