Sparking the Flames
By Shannon Briggs
I am both thrilled and humbled that Campfire Collective was recognized as one of the winners of the 2023 SPARK Awards for our community impact initiative, Carrying the Torch! As I’ve often said, our relationship with our community is a vital part of our identity. When it comes to our clients, we work to uplift community-focused organizations that focus on celebrating and supporting the city. When it comes to volunteerism, we look for the best ways to serve the city both individually and as a group. It is an honor for us to be recognized for contributions to the city we love.
A co-production of WKNO and cityCURRENT, the SPARK Awards spotlight the good taking place in Memphis and showcase how individuals and businesses can become a spark to make a meaningful and lasting impact in our community. Campfire Collective was selected in the Corporate: 100 Employees or Fewer category. To qualify, we needed to illustrate our philanthropic leadership, volunteerism, and impact.
Although Carrying the Torch officially began in January 2023, community service has been an integral part of Campfire Collective since the beginning. My team and I are committed to using our resources to make a lasting, positive impact in Memphis. As a female business leader in this city, I recognize the importance of advocating for the future female leaders here. That’s why we partner with organizations that champion women of all ages, supporting these outstanding nonprofits with our time, pro-bono marketing and PR services, and leadership.
As a group, our small but mighty team logged 427 total hours of corporate community service in the January 1 - July 31, 2023 time frame specified for the 2023 SPARK Awards. Our individual efforts were just as impressive: we logged 236 hours of individual community service in the same time period.
Some of our highlights include:
During the specified time frame, we provided in-kind sponsorships and pro-bono PR support of the DeNeuville Learning Center for Women annual Gala and Golf Tournament, the Shelby County Drug Court Foundation annual Race for Recovery 5K, and the Restore Corps Free901 5K/10K Run.
I am proud to serve on the boards of DeNeuville Learning Center for Women and the Shelby County Drug Court Foundation.
Team members Sophie, Elizabeth, Sarah, Abby, Ariana, Cecilia, and I are Memphis Ambassadors for the Greater Memphis Chamber, contributing a total of 200 hours. As the face and heart of the Chamber’s membership, Ambassadors volunteer their time and talents at a variety of Chamber events. Ambassadors are always eager to share their passion for Memphis and work to promote positive relationships among members and the community.
We joined with the community in January 2023 for the MLK Day of Service by donating blood at the National Civil Rights Museum. In February, the team enjoyed volunteering together at Church Health’s Nutrition Hub, preparing meals for over 100 clinic patients and their families. On March 25, 2023, we had a blast participating in the Junior Achievement of Memphis and the Mid-South Bowl-a-thon, fundraising a total of $634.85 for the mission of empowering children through education. The team supports the mission of My Cup of Tea by including items as client holiday gifts.
While the team loves to volunteer as a group, we all have individual passions and commitments to engage in meaningful initiatives that have a positive impact in our community. To encourage the flame of volunteerism in each of us, we have a fun reward system at Campfire Collective. One star volunteer receives a gift card each month, plus a grand prize is given to one all-star volunteer team member at the end of the year.
And we haven’t stopped just because the Spark Awards time frame has ended. My amazing team has continued to serve in 2023 by volunteering at the 901 Day Trash Pick Up in September, the WYXR Raised by Sound Fest, the Shelby County Drug Court Foundation Race for Recovery 2023 and the Red Carpet for Recovery Party 2023, the Restore Corps Free901 5K/10K & Kids Fun Run 2023, and the You First Community Foundation Christmas Toy Drive. Individually, team members can be found donating their time and energy to organizations that range from churches to theatres to roller derbies to professional associations.
Thanks to our amazing team, Carrying the Torch has truly lit a spark in the community after less than a year of official existence! We are all so grateful for the recognition from WKNO and cityCurrent – but the greatest reward is the ability to make a positive contribution to Memphis. You’ll see us out and about in 2024, as we continue to serve the community that has given so much to us. We look forward to Carrying the Torch into the new year!
