Guests paused as they stepped into the Craig H. Neilsen Auditorium at the Two Mississippi Museums, taking in the teal light, the music rising from Stevie J’s guitar, and the warm buzz of conversations unfolding across the room. One attendee smiled as she looked around and said, “This already feels special.”

It was the Foundation for the Mid South’s thirty-fifth anniversary celebration, but the energy in the auditorium made it clear that the night was more than a milestone. It marked the beginning of a new moment for the organization.

The Foundation’s story began in 1988 when Ed Lupberger, then CEO of Middle South Utilities, and former Governor William Winter discussed the deep and persistent challenges facing the region. They saw communities navigating generational poverty, educational gaps, and limited economic opportunity, and believed these issues required more than short-term solutions. Their collaboration, along with bipartisan support from Governors Bill Clinton, Buddy Roemer, and Ray Mabus, led to the formation of the Foundation for the Mid South in 1990.

Thirty-five years later, that founding vision remains at the heart of the Foundation’s work. As President and CEO, Greg Johnson told the audience, “For 35 years, the Foundation for the Mid South has connected people to opportunity and turned ideas into action. Our work has always been rooted in equity, collaboration, and possibility.”

The anniversary celebration honored that legacy while signaling that the Foundation is stepping into a new chapter with greater clarity and visibility.

Honoring Leadership and Community Partnership

The program opened with remarks from Greg Johnson and Board President Theo Bunting. Theo grounded the room in the Foundation’s long-standing commitment to community-driven work. “The people who live and work in our communities know what they need to succeed,” he said.

One of the most emotional moments of the night came when Dr. Ivye Allen, who led the Foundation for nearly twenty years, received the Mid South Leadership Award. As she rose, the entire auditorium rose with her. The ovation reflected her years of leadership, her steady guidance through hurricane recovery, her work strengthening partnerships, and her deep commitment to equity.

Meshelle Rawls, Vice President of People and Culture, reflected earlier that “Once we had the blueprint, Ivy hit the ground running. Fundraising grew, the endowment grew, and our focus became clear. Her leadership took us to the next level.”

The Foundation also recognized the W. K. Kellogg Foundation with the Partnership Award for its long-standing support of equity and racial healing. Several guests later remarked that the recognition felt especially fitting given the Foundation’s longstanding collaboration with Kellogg.

The Shared Vision ~ Real Change Awards further honored Delta Compass in Mississippi, Geaux Girl Giving Collective in Louisiana, and Delta Circles in Arkansas.

Each organization strengthens families and communities in ways that reflect the Foundation’s mission.

Vice President of Programs Cassio Batteast captured the sentiment before presenting the awards. “The most powerful stories of change come from the communities that lead the way. Our work is about investing in people like you. Those who see what is possible and make it real.”

The Strategic Plan and the Shift It Represents

A hush fell across the auditorium as the screen displayed the Foundation’s 2025 to 2030 Strategic Plan. For many attendees, it was the most consequential moment of the night.

Greg Johnson described the plan as a guide for the Foundation’s next five years. It focuses on education, health and wellness, economic opportunity, communications and policy advocacy, and networking and convening. “This is a roadmap that will guide how we deepen our work and expand opportunity across the region,” he said.

The plan marks a shift in how the Foundation engages publicly. Historically policy-neutral, the organization will now take clear positions on issues affecting families and communities. Greg noted earlier, “Visibility gives us influence. Not just to support policy, but to shape practices across sectors.”

This clarity aligns with the Foundation’s evolving communications strategy. Communications Director Ebonee Johnikin described the night as a clear sign of where the organization is heading next. “We are redefining how the Foundation is seen, how we communicate, and how we engage partners. The anniversary gala was our first bold step into that new narrative.”

Together, the leadership of the past and the vision guiding the future aligned to create a sense of momentum.

Why the Work Matters: Voices From the Team

Staff reflections revealed the personal meaning behind the Foundation’s mission.

George, an education program officer, shared, “A parent reached out about her son, who attended ACAP. He recently got accepted to the University of Memphis. Moments like that remind me why this work matters.”

Leo, the senior accountant, shared his commitment to transparency. “When the numbers are correct, it helps the Foundation make better decisions. I want leadership always to know where we stand.”

For Derykah, who leads social justice initiatives, partnership is central. “Every time we start something new, the first question is, who can we work with to make this happen. Collaboration is who we are.”

These stories grounded the evening in lived impact, tying the Foundation’s mission to real people and real communities.

A Celebration Filled With Joy and Momentum

After the awards concluded, the celebration shifted into full motion. Guests filled the dance floor, moved by Stevie J’s performance and later the DJ’s set. Staff members danced near the stage, smiling and laughing, reflecting both relief and pride.

People lingered long after the final toast. Some stood near the back of the auditorium talking about partnerships and plans. Others hugged and shared memories. Many commented that the night felt more confident and forward-centered than previous events.

One attendee summed it up quietly as she looked out over the room. “This really does feel new.”

Looking Ahead

In his final toast, President and CEO Greg Johnson raised his glass and said, “To 35 years of impact, and to the generations ahead who deserve even more.” The applause that followed carried the weight of both memory and hope.

The Foundation for the Mid South enters its next chapter with a clear direction. The strategic plan is in place. The rebrand is underway. The partnerships remain strong. The mission is unchanged, but the way the Foundation will carry it forward is shifting with purpose.

The Mid South continues to face real challenges, but it also holds immense possibilities. The anniversary celebration made that clear. It honored the people and partnerships that shaped the first thirty-five years while revealing the clarity and momentum that will define the next.

The new narrative has begun.

Explore More From the Celebration

If you’d like to revisit key moments from the evening, you can watch the Foundation’s anniversary videos here:

• Foundation for the Mid South Company Video – A short look back at the people, partnerships, and milestones that shaped the Foundation’s first 35 years.
• 35th Anniversary Recap Reel – A brief highlight reel capturing the energy, joy, and momentum of the celebration.

Support the Work

If you’d like to support the Foundation’s next chapter, you can make a contribution here: Make a Gift to the Foundation for the Mid South