BATON ROUGE — The Spanish Town Mardi Gras Krewe is known for its flamboyant floats, pink flamingos, and lively parade—but behind the beads and boas lies a deep commitment to giving back. This week, the organization handed out $18,000 in donations to a group of local nonprofits that are quietly changing lives across Baton Rouge.
Robert King, President of Spanish Town, announced the total during a heartfelt ceremony where representatives from each charity were called on stage to receive their checks.
“I cry when we donate,” King admitted, “because it’s just good to see the good that you do. No matter what the donation is, you see that it means a lot to the charities.”
Although the amount was slightly lower this year due to a split fundraising event, the spirit of generosity was alive and well.
“We always say we’re a krewe with a donation problem,” King joked, adding that the group has raised over $1.7 million throughout the years thanks to their annual ball and parade.
The funds will support a wide range of causes—from children’s advocacy to veteran services, and everything in between. Each charity embodies the Spanish Town Krewe’s mission: to uplift and highlight organizations doing life-changing work in the community.
Here are the charities touched by this year’s donations:
- Baton Rouge Children’s Advocacy Center: A haven for young victims of abuse, the center coordinates interviews, therapy, and support to help children begin the healing process in a safe, supportive environment.
- The Miracle League: Making baseball accessible to every child, regardless of ability, the Miracle League creates joy on the field with its inclusive spaces and spirited volunteers.
- Folds of Honor: Honoring fallen or disabled military heroes, this national nonprofit provides educational scholarships to their spouses and children, ensuring legacies live on through learning.
- CALEF – Capital Area Law Enforcement Foundation: From essential gear to advanced training, CALEF ensures local law enforcement has what it needs—at no cost to departments—to keep the community safe.
- Front Yard Bikes: A favorite of the Krewe, this youth program gives kids bikes—but with a twist. They rebuild them from scratch, learning hands-on skills like welding and repair, and gaining mentorship and life lessons along the way.
- Magnolia Vets Home: Dedicated to helping veterans reintegrate into civilian life, Magnolia Vets provides housing, mental health care, and support services to those who served.
- Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank: Fighting hunger across the region, the food bank distributes millions of pounds of food annually through an extensive network of partners.
- McMains Children’s Developmental Center: Children with developmental delays and disabilities receive specialized therapy and educational support, empowering them to reach their full potential.
- Girl Scouts Louisiana East: Much more than cookies, the Girl Scouts cultivate confidence, leadership, and courage in girls through adventure, service, and skill-building programs.
- St. Mary’s Residential Training School: Providing compassionate care and education, St. Mary’s serves children and adults with developmental disabilities in a structured and nurturing environment.
King encouraged everyone in attendance to get to know these organizations and support them beyond carnival season.
“When you hear their stories, it’s heartwarming. I always tell the crowd, check out our charities. If it doesn’t touch you, you don’t have a heart.”
Planning for next year’s events begins in late summer, and King says the krewe is already excited to top this year’s efforts. After all, the parades and parties may bring the crowds—but it’s the giving that leaves a lasting impact.
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