Friendsgiving Festival 2025
Presented By:
EmpowerKids Foundation (proudly affiliated with the Community Foundation of East MS)
The SPOT – Special Place for Others to Thrive (proudly affiliated with the Community Foundation of East MS)
Date & Time:
-
Saturday, November 15, 2025
-
[Festival Hours TBD: e.g., 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM]
-
[Color Walk start times TBD]
Location:
-
Singing Brakeman Park, Meridian, Mississippi
-
Parking instructions/map link coming soon
.png)
Links Hub
-
Sponsor Sign‑Up – Michelle Shultz at EmpowerKidsFND@gmail.com
-
Vendor & Food Truck Application - https://forms.gle/ssNBa3PgBhQVLQud9
-
Color Walk Registration - https://forms.gle/Xx8EdHwN2n3f96ib6
-
Donate via CFEM - https://cfem.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/list/event?event_date_id=2947
-
Festival Map & Parking - coming soon
Why We’re Doing It (Purpose):
-
Celebrate all abilities and the power of community with a Thanksgiving‑inspired festival.
-
Annual fundraiser benefiting EmpowerKids Foundation and The SPOT to sustain inclusive programs year‑round.
-
EmpowerKids Foundation 2025 focus: raising funds for a wheelchair van for a current grant applicant.
-
The SPOT 2025 focus: funding inclusive sports & holiday events; building reserves toward an inclusive center.
What to Expect (Quick Hits):
-
Adaptive Color Walk kick‑off (two groups: littles; teens & adults).
-
Vendor Market & Food Court, live fun, raffles, games, and inclusive activities for all ages & abilities.
-
Sensory‑friendly zones and accessibility supports throughout the event.
-
Family photo opportunities, community partners, and more.
Accessibility & Inclusion
-
Event designed for guests of all ages & abilities; families, friends, caregivers, and allies welcome.
-
Sensory‑friendly supports (e.g., quiet areas, reduced‑stimulus zones, visual schedules).
-
Accessible routes and paths; ADA‑considerate vendor layout.
-
Volunteers available for wayfinding and support.
-
Companion changing tent quiet tent, all designed with sensory friendly needs in mind
Adaptive Color Walk (Opening Feature)
Overview:
-
A modified, sensory‑aware celebration of movement—walk, roll, or stroll through a festive color‑powder route.
-
1 street block instead of 5k length, gravel road, clear road marks + volunteers for safety, buddy support
-
Two waves/groups planned: (1) Littles; (2) Teens & Adults.
-
Optional color‑free lane for guests who prefer no powder.
-
Sensory‑aware music/volume; superhero leaders and volunteer buddies to cheer participants on.
-
Clean Up station at the end of the walk with water, towels and baby wipes
-
Participants will receive a medal and t-shirt
Registration & Links:
-
[Participant Waiver Link] - coming soon
-
Event designed for guests of all ages & abilities; families, friends, caregivers, and allies welcome.
-
Sensory‑friendly supports (e.g., quiet areas, reduced‑stimulus zones, visual schedules).
-
Accessible routes and paths; ADA‑considerate vendor layout.
-
Volunteers available for wayfinding and support.
-
Companion changing tent quiet tent, all designed with sensory friendly needs in mind
Sponsorship
Why Sponsor?
-
High‑visibility, family‑friendly event centered on inclusion and community impact.
-
Directly supports EmpowerKids Foundation grants and The SPOT’s inclusive sports & programs.
-
Tax‑deductible contributions via the Community Foundation of East Mississippi (CFEM).
Levels & Benefits:
Featured Sponsorships (optional add‑ons):
-
Color Walk Title Sponsor $2,000 – Thank you to Walking for Kids
-
Family Photo Backdrop Sponsor [$500]
-
Music/Entertainment Sponsor [$750]
-
Security/Logistics Sponsor [$1,200]
-
Sensory Zone Sponsor [$500]
-
Sticky Golf Game & Raffle [$500]
-
Sticky Soccer Game [$750]
-
Games and Prizes [$500]
-
General Fund [Any Amount]
How to Sponsor:
-
Sponsor Sign‑Up Link: https://cfem.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/list/event?event_date_id=2947
-
Payment options: CFEM online portal; or check payable to CFEM with memo “Friendsgiving Festival – [Org]”; other options (PayPal/Venmo) if applicable.
-
For W‑9s/donation letters: Michelle Shultz, EmpowerKidsFND@gmail.com
Vendors & Food Trucks
Vendor Market (Artisans, Boutiques, Services):
-
Booth: 10'×10' – $50; extra 10'×10' – $20.
-
Electricity: Available upon request (limited).
-
Deadline to Apply: November 1st
-
Details for event day will be emailed following confirmation of registration and payment
-
Rules: family‑friendly content; no amplified sound in sensory zones; no generators inside vendor rows without approval.
-
Sales & licensing compliance are vendor’s responsibility.
Food Trucks:
-
Fee: $150
-
Power/Water: [Available? If not, state requirement to be self‑contained].
-
Health permits & insurance: required per city/county rules.
-
Arrival window & placement map: [TBD]
Vendor/Truck Application Links:
-
Questions: EmpowerKidsFND@gmail.com (for vendor/food truck inquiries)
Summary
Friendsgiving Festival is a Thanksgiving‑inspired celebration of all abilities—a joyful day of connection benefiting EmpowerKids Foundation and The SPOT. Kick off with our Adaptive Color Walk featuring sensory‑aware options, then enjoy a bustling Vendor Market & Food Court, games, raffles, live fun, and photo ops. We thoughtfully design accessible routes and sensory‑friendly spaces so everyone can participate comfortably. Proceeds sustain inclusive sports, holiday events, and grants that support local families year‑round. Mark your calendar for Saturday, November 15, 2025 at Singing Brakeman Park in Meridian, MS—and bring the whole crew!
Contacts
-
Sponsorships, Vendor & Food Trucks: Michelle Shultz, President of EmpowerKids Foundation, EmpowerKidsFND@gmail.com
-
Accessibility/Sensory requests, Adaptive Color Walk: Candice Coker, President of The SPOT, Info@TheSPOTFamily.com
-
Music, Security: Ashley Laird, EmpowerKids Foundation Board member, a.laird@msppec.com
Fundraisers prior to event
-
Bayou Bites at Don P restaurant on Sept 18th for lunch and dinner. $1 per head will be donated on this day. (see flyer)
-
Holiday Hello: Doormats for a Cause Paint Party (see flyer)
-
Paint a holiday doormat and support two great missions - $50 for all supplies + sweet treats and refreshments
Document Hub