How Monogram Foods Loves Kids Foundation Is Making a Difference WITH MEMPHIS YOUTH

Memphis is full of people who love this city. But loving Memphis and investing in Memphis are two different things, and Monogram Foods Loves Kids Foundation is doing both.

As the presenting sponsor of the first-ever Ice Box Classic, Monogram Foods Loves Kids helped bring together eight Memphis schools for The Icebox Classic. But their commitment to Memphis youth goes far deeper than one event.

"Giving back to Memphis means supporting the community that so many of our team members and their families call home. While Memphis is our headquarters, our commitment to giving extends across all of the communities where Monogram operates. Through the Monogram Foods Loves Kids Foundation, we support local nonprofits that help kids and families thrive. We believe that when our communities are strong, our team members and our company are stronger too." -Kacee Hudson, Events & Communications Coordinator

That belief is exactly the kind of foundation that Memphis needs more of. When businesses see their success as tied to the success of the community around them, everyone wins. Kids win. Families win. The city wins.

Why Sponsoring the Ice Box Classic Made Sense

The Ice Box Classic brought together student-athletes from Crosstown High, Collegiate, Soulsville, PURE Academy, RISE, University School, Compass, and Pleasant View. For Monogram Foods Loves Kids, supporting an event like this was a natural extension of their values.

"Sponsoring the Ice Box Classic was a natural fit for Monogram Foods Loves Kids because it supports youth development and community engagement. Since relocating our corporate office to Crosstown Concourse, we have been inspired by the mission and energy of the organizations and businesses that call Crosstown home. Supporting Crosstown High and partnering with others in the Crosstown community has been a priority for us."

This is what meaningful sponsorship looks like. Not just writing a check, but genuinely connecting with the schools, students, and organizations making a difference in the neighborhoods you call home.

One-time events are exciting. But what Monogram Foods Loves Kids is really focused on is something bigger, creating the conditions for lasting change.

"We hope the Foundation's work helps organizations create lasting programs that families can depend on long term. When those programs grow and stay strong, it means more kids have access to support and opportunities that can truly shape their future."

A Call to Other Memphis Businesses

Monogram Foods Loves Kids wants to see more Memphis businesses step up, and they have a clear message for any company looking to get more involved:

"We encourage other Memphis businesses to look for philanthropic opportunities that align with their company values and the passions of their team members. Community support is most impactful when it is consistent and meaningful. Any local businesses looking to get more involved and directly make an impact on the Memphis community are encouraged to partner with us for our annual 'Meat' Me in Memphis Gala, which is our sole annual fundraising event and supports the Foundation's work throughout the entire year. Companies can participate through sponsorship opportunities, donating auction items, or volunteer support. This year's gala will be on October 29 at the Renasant Convention Center."

Interested in getting involved? Contact Kacee Hudson at kacee.hudson@monogramfoods.com.

How Monogram Foods Loves Kids Gives And How You Can Too

Their annual grant cycle is one of the most community-centered processes out there. Applications open March 2 and close May 29 at monogramfoods.com/what-we-value/foundation. Eligible organizations must be a 501(c)(3), located within 100 miles of a Monogram Foods facility, and dedicated to improving the lives of children.

Grant decisions are made entirely by committees of Monogram team members, people from all levels of the company, with no executive involvement. The people who live and work in each community decide where the money goes. That's a model worth admiring.