MIFA’s Something Good in Memphis campaign is designed to celebrate those who make Memphis better, whether it’s the stranger who helps change your flat tire in the rain or a human services pioneer who changes the lives of a hundred poor Memphians. Sometimes people tend to focus on the bad and forget the good, but we see reminders of the good in Memphis every day!
Nominating is quick and easy – just fill out our simple form! Nominate friends, neighbors,and colleagues whose daily efforts or remarkable deeds embody the spirit of positive action in our community.Thank you for being a part of the good in Memphis!
MIFA's mission is to change the community by helping change lives through programs which sustain the independence of seniors, stabilize and transform families in crisis, and equip urban teens for success. Learn more about MIFA.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Because I know him. Nominated by Trevor Edwards.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Len Edwards is something good in Memphis because of the services he provides to children. Nominated by Brenda Gatlin.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Len Edwards gives children and parents hope. He helps them in situations that they may never be able to get out of by themselves. Nominated by Mary Vaughan.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Instead of building a company to just profit himself, he and his partners have built a company, Community Security, to simply fund the the best nonprofits in Memphis - the ones who make this city a better place!! Nominated by Brad McDaniel.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
I'd like to nominate Mario Hendrix and Darrell Cobbins, who are working hard as co-chairs for a fundraising and awareness campaign for BRIDGES, USA. The goal of the Power of 10 campaign is to increase the BRIDGES donor base by 100%, which means securing 550 new donors. Mario and Darrell kicked off this campaign in January, and it lasts until June 30. If BRIDGES meets the goal, they will be rewarded a $100,000 gift from an anonymous donor. This was a huge undertaking, and both Mario and Darrell...
Thursday, May 20, 2010
David is just a great citizen. In addition to running a successful business and having a wonderful family, David is truly engaged in the community. He gives time to serve on boards of organizations that are making a difference. He helps with great networking and by asking out-of-the-box questions that make you think. David is something good In Memphis. Nominated by Margaret Craddock.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Len Edwards is in charge at COMEC - the Commission on Missing and Exploited Children. He works with parents whose children have taken a wrong turn somewhere. He works with kids whose lives are chaos. And when your kid goes missing in the middle of the night, he's the guy who sends out the Amber Alert to help bring your child home. Nominated by Maurrean Barger.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Ken Wall and his lovely wife, Sallie, are fantastic supporters of the Memphis community. Ken was great to donate water for our MIFA Meals volunteers. Nominated by Charlie Nelson.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Khenpo Gawang Rinpoche encourages members of his congregation to do good things to make their lives better. He instituted 10 days of "Prayers for Peace" in January, during which we performed two hours of group prayer daily to help bring peace to Memphis and the world. Khenpo Gawang is a Tibetan scholar and monk who has made Memphis his home and who heads the Pema Karpo Meditation Center. Nominated by Debbie Burch.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2010/apr/24/opening-of-eyes/?cid=Facebook . Enough said! Nominated by Matt Oates.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Shun and Mary have made a difference in the Binghampton community by starting Binghampton Community Church. They are trying to bring a message of peace and share the good word with others. The Abrams are also dedicated to going on missions outside the U.S. to minister to others. They are definitely something good in Memphis! Nominated by Rebecca Jaffe.
Friday, April 09, 2010
I am nominating Cole because he is new to Memphis area and it takes courage to start a new business, especially not being from the area. Nominated by Jeannie Krawczyk.
Friday, April 09, 2010
Reginald Johnson believes every young man can excel and reach his highest potential. He is dedicated to empowering and encouraging young men in this city to become community leaders. He is CEO & founder of Boys Incorporation, a nonprofit youth organization housed in MIFA's Life Skills Institute on Tuesday nights from 6 to 8 p.m. Reginald was recently honored as one of MIFA's Day of Reflection and Service 2010 Program Award Winners. His first group will graduate this April. May he continue to...
Friday, April 09, 2010
He's an outstanding advocate for supporting local businesses, especially eateries, in our awesome town. His blog, EatLocalMemphis.org, is witty as well as informational. All the local foodies appreciate his support of our Memphis food! Nominated by Kat Gordon.
Thursday, April 08, 2010
Cole stepped up and started a new local business ( 901 Love ) dedicated to showing off Memphis through t-shirts. His shirts are share the pride of being a Memphian through clever designs. Thanks Cole for your great work. Nominated by Thomas Robinson.
One of Cole's great designs!
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Christian Kauffman and Cort Gatliff are doing something special this spring. These two MUS students are on day 21 of a cross-country bike ride to raise money for Living Water. The money raised by this project will go towards building wells in Haiti to help bring clean water to those that don't have it. Follow their journey on their blog ( link ). Their efforts really show that anyone can make an effort to give back and to serve. These two are definitely Something Good in...
Thursday, March 11, 2010
This man helps elderly people to their car, makes sure that women get to their cars safely and helps people get out of that crazy lot! Thank you Schnucks Man! Nominated Anonymously.
Monday, March 01, 2010
Some of you might have recently read Mayor Wharton's "An Open Letter to Steve Forbes" that is making the rounds online. Within 3 minutes I got it in a couple of emails from members of our department at work. These are a few of the things that the people at MIFA that work on Something Good in Memphis had to say about it:
"Memphis is lucky to have Mayor Wharton. He is (among many, many other things) Something Good in Memphis!"
"Now this is how every Memphian should...
Tuesday, February 09, 2010
"Marlon "Big Dog" Brown officially works for SOS(Service Over Self) but is constantly in the Binghamton and Orange Mound neighborhoods helping those in need. Marlon would, and has, given the clothes off of his back and the furniture from his home for others. Marlon is definitely Something Good in Memphis!" Nominated by Chuck Carter.
Thursday, February 04, 2010
"Monty Shane is an incredible photographer. He creates works of art that are original, haunting, and one-of-a-kind. I personally can spot a Monty Shane photograph from across the room. Additionally, Monty is also committed to his community. He helps out with various organizations like Hope House and Friends for Life and volunteers his time and his talent back to people in need in Memphis." Nominated by Kevin Dean.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Dave Lindstrom is Something Good in Memphis. "I met Dave Lindstrom while volunteering at WYPL. In addition to reading there several times a week for the on-air programs, Dave is involved in volunteer activities at the YMCA and serves on their board of directors. He is also active at the Memphis Peace and Justice Center, works tirelessly helping current and future non-profit leaders and executives through the Alliance For Non Profit excellence, is active at First Congregational Church and lends...
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Joey McDaniel is Something Good in Memphis. "Joey McDaniel never hesitates to go out of his way for a friend. When my family was sick, not only did he call to check on us - he offered to do a drugstore run and brought soup and cupcakes to our doorstep! If everyone was a friend like Joey, the world would be a better place!" Nominated by Anna Kathryn Word.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Nathan Harmeier is definitely Something Good in Memphis. "Nathan always thinks of other first. He is the owner of Above and Beyond Electric. The name speaks for itself. He is always going Above and Beyond for his customer. His main reason for going into business is to help other. Once a month his staff volunteers for MIFA's Meals on Wheels program. He ran a special campaign in October for Breast Cancer Awareness. For Christmas, his staff worked with the Salvation Army as bell ringers. He also...
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Zac Carpenter is Something Good in Memphis. "He has his hands in everything. He volunteered for Mayor Wharton's campaign, he spends time at the P&J Center, and is just a tireless cheerleader for the city. He moves as Memphis moves." Nominated by Todd Baker.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Brad Watkins has created such positive change in Memphis in the past year. As Project Organizer for the Midsouth Peace & Justice Center, he has brought important issues to light in the Memphis community. His input helped the Shelby County commissioners take over the Rape Crisis Center ; his Issues First Initiative required that mayoral candidates pledge to address the community’s most important issues, which proved successful when Mayor Wharton and MLGW gave power to past due customers...
Thursday, November 05, 2009
"Brooks is something REAL good in Memphis: philosopher, teacher, violinist, poet, golfer, preacher, husband, father,counselor, social justice advocate, inspirer, arts connoisseur, joke-teller, biblical interpreter, and friend to many. In short, a true Renaissance man!" Nominated by Rev. Steve Montgomery.
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
For years, Bad Dog has been a bright spot in the city of Memphis. From making people laugh in the mornings on Rock 103 to raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for the kids at the Ronald McDonald House, he is a perfect example of the good in our community. Nominated by Anna Kathryn Word
Thursday, October 29, 2009
John Boevingloh is Something Good in Memphis. As a Volunteer Long-Term Care Ombudsman, John has developed a special connection with the residents at his nursing home. On the rare occasions when he misses his regular visit, the residents ask the facility to call MIFA and make sure he is okay. Nominated by Rick Finkey.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
It is always great to see a young man or woman make a decision to do something different with his/her summer time off. Witt had the desire to not only work but to help others. As one of his priests at St. Peter's, I would like to commend his efforts and the work he did this summer at MIFA. Nominated by Fr. John Pitzer.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Chris Wyatt is Something Good in Memphis. Chris works extremely hard to make sure that SunTrust is able to offer companies across the Mid-South an at-work banking package that benefits their employees. He is a team player and always goes the extra mile for his friends and coworkers. He is something GREAT in Memphis! Nominated by Jordan Barré.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Dr. Brewer is the choir director and music teacher at Ridgeway High School. He works with teenagers from a variety of backgrounds, races and financial means. He bestows on all of them a love of music and respect for their fellow classmates, their teachers and themselves. When Dr. Brewer's seniors graduate each year, they all have applied to or been accepted to college and have solid career goals that they wish to pursue. Our city schools only seem to get publicity when there is bad news to tell....
Thursday, October 22, 2009
John Wagner has given up his Saturdays for years to mentor and conduct Bible studies with disadvantaged youth in the Holy Community Church area. Many lives of young men and women in that community have been changed because of John's commitment. John Wagner is Something Good in Memphis. Nominated by Ruth King.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Erik Jambor works, oftentimes as a one man show, year round planning the annual Indie Memphis Film Festival that gives independent filmmakers from Memphis & abroad a chance to showcase their talents and Memphians a chance to support them. Nominated by Lauren Rae Holtermann.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Larry is my pops and he's Something Good in Memphis because he puts up with me, even when I'm annoying or expensive. I recently had back surgery, & for three weeks, he stayed up with me every night while I was limited to the couch, made or brought me dinner every night, and even took me to have my hair washed when I was unable to bend over the sink to do so myself. Nominated by Lauren Rae Holtermann.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Sometimes I think Shane is trying to be a real life superhero like the ones he reads about in comics. He's an illustrator at The Commercial Appeal , where he consistently churns out quality work, teaches Illustration courses at Memphis College of Art, and somehow finds time to take on side projects. He's a great teacher due in large part due to his compassion & enthusiasm. Nominated by Lauren Rae Holtermann.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Michael McPherson and Isaac Lias are something good in Memphis for providing great "stepping" entertainment during Feed the Soul. Nominated by Patrece Williams.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Chester Brooks has been a faithful volunteer at Alzheimer's Day Services of Memphis (ADS) for the last 5 years. He shows nothing but compassion and concern, and he embodies the gentle in gentleman, crucial traits when working with participants such as ours. He looks forward to volunteering and he has a wonderfully infectious smile. Chester thinks of the ADS staff and participants as his family and we think the same of him. He rarely takes vacation unless he has to, and he gets upset on the days...
Monday, October 12, 2009
Today I went to DèJáVu for lunch with some of my coworkers. We get down there for lunch pretty often, and every time we are there Rondell, Gary, and Abby offer great, friendly service to go with their delicious food. Even when the restaurant is packed at lunch, they always seem happy to see me get there! They make DèJáVu one of my favorite places to go eat in this city. They are Something Good in Memphis. Nominated by Thomas Robinson.
Rondell, Gary, and...
Monday, October 12, 2009
After a hectic experience in the checkout lane, I accidentally left 2 of my grocery bags. A manager from TOPS BBQ had been in line behind me and came running out to my car before I left with my two bags of forgotten groceries! Nominated by Anna Kathryn Word.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Ryan Steed stopped to call 911 after seeing a man punching a woman who was pinned on the ground on the side of the road downtown early Saturday morning. He stopped the car and tried to cross a busy street, knife in hand, ready to restrain the attacker, right as police arrived. It turned out that the man was not punching the woman, but stabbing her, and paramedics were able to stabilize her before taking her to the hospital. We don't know if she lived or died, but Ryan Steed is something good in...
Monday, October 12, 2009
Dr. Leon Caldwell of Rhodes College is committed to investing his talent and energy to improving the human condition, particularly for people of African descent. He's bringing together scholars and practitioners from around the country in Memphis next week for the "Think Tank for African American Progress." It is great to have this forward thinking man in our community! Nominated by Cheryl Beard.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Richard Bausch, holder of the Moss Chair of Excellence in English at the University of Memphis, has won the Dayton Literary Peace Prize for his novel Peace . The Dayton Literary Peace Prize is the only international literary peace prize awarded in the U.S. Bausch is the author of 11 novels and 7 collections of short stories. Nominated by Wendy Sumner-Winter.
Friday, October 09, 2009
Bernard Danzig is a trusted and faithful advocate for seniors in our community. Bernard's leadership, understanding, and passion for the senior population are tremendous assets. Nominated by Margaret Craddock.
Friday, October 09, 2009
I am nominating my dad because a couple of weeks ago he helped a total stranger pull his car out of the mud. He did not even know this person but he wanted to do it because he needed help. My dad is always offering help to people in need and I just wanted him to be recognized for his good deeds! Nominated by Jessika Jordan.
Friday, October 09, 2009
Hank is just pretty groovy. Nominated by Lauren Murray.
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
John is something good because he is dedicated to helping inner-city youth through Rachel's Kids. Nominated by James Waller.
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
Tom Jones said it best: "John Kirkscey reminds us about what's best about Memphis: the ability of one person with a dream and an entrepreneurial and creative spirit to inspire others to rally around him." John's dream of the Art Park for the riverfront is stepping closer and closer to reality: www.memphisartpark.org . Nominated by Jenny Sharpe.
Monday, October 05, 2009
Frank runs the Edge coffeehouse in Memphis, and he provides a home for the kind of coffee shop happenings that Memphis' other coffeehouses don't. Aside from him running the only late-night coffee shop in Memphis, he uses his space to showcase art and music that you don't find anywhere else. Frank James is Something Good in Memphis. Nominated by Miguelito Equis.
Monday, October 05, 2009
Chris Reyes strives to use his interests, film and animation, to spotlight the good things and good people in Memphis through his organization, Live From Memphis. He gave recognition and exposure to the little guys through the Flipsides series, like Memphis Roller Derby, local bands, Rozelle Artists Guild, VINI, and mannnny more. Chris Reyes is Something Good in Memphis. Nominated by Lauren Rae Holtermann.
Monday, October 05, 2009
Mr. Stovall is a Yellow Cab driver. Last night he was called to an event to drive someone home who was in no condition to drive. He refused his plea to take him back to his car, took him to the Krystal for some food and then took him all the way home. Frank Stovall is Something Good in Memphis. Nominated by Margaret Craddock.
Monday, October 05, 2009
Ted captured my dog Henry who escaped this morning. He called me and secured him until I could claim him. He is a good dog-loving neighbor. Ted Ferguson is Something Good in Memphis. Nominated by Margaret Craddock.
Monday, October 05, 2009
As the leader of the Memphis Police Department's Union Avenue precinct, Col. Garrett has been very responsive to neighborhood and community needs. He always has a smile on his face and figures out a way to get people the help they need. Col. Billy Garrett is truly Something Good in Memphis. Nominated by Margaret Craddock.
Monday, October 05, 2009
Mike Kirby is Something Good in Memphis. Mike has been a leader in community development in Memphis since 1970. He has taught many of the young leaders in Memphis in his Urban Studies program at Rhodes College. Mike loves his neighborhood, Vollintine Evergreen, and he works on keeping the neighborhood safe, beautiful and engaged through his numerous volunteer activities. Nominated by Mary Wilder.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Ronald Herd is Something Good in Memphis. He has a passion for preserving African American History and helping those who don't have a voice. He has been instrumental in bring Jimmie Lunceford back to life. by starting the first annual festival in his name, recognizing his birthday, and creating a blog site for information on Mr. Lunceford.
He has also made an impact on gathering other musicians. His first book, James Reese Europe: Jazz Lieutenant was named to The Smithsonian Institute's...
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Kevin Brumfield is Something Good in Memphis. After one visit to Sneak Peek Memphis, Kevin's clothing store, Jordan Mykleby wrote "I honestly don't think you know guys know exactly what you are doing for people. You guys are inspiring every one that steps a toe in your door." Beyond a clothing store, with Kevin's vision, Sneak Peek has become a safe haven and a hub for a youthful creative community. The store has hosted Memphis Mayoral Candidate talks to engage 18-30 year olds in politics...
Monday, September 28, 2009
Joseph Jaffe is Something Good in Memphis and DeSoto County. He is a dedicated reserve officer for DeSoto County's Sheriff's Department for the last several years, helping keep our community safe. He is always willing to help someone who is in a bind. A couple months ago, he stopped on the side of Interstate 240 to help a woman whose car engine caught on fire. He doused the flames before the fire department arrived then went back to work! He is always helping people, and never expects anything...
Monday, September 28, 2009
Brian Elder and Jay Young are Something Good in Memphis. They are always there to try to help someone in need. If you call them with a problem they do everything possible to help you. Nominated by Ken Johnson.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Chris Allen makes Memphis fun. Chris is Something Good in Memphis. Nominated by Jane Shepard.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Josh is Something Good in Memphis. He is always willing to help out with a good cause. Thanks Josh, for supporting your community! Nominated by Sally Heinz.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Mark VanLeit is Something Good in Memphis. As a former public defender and children's advocate in New Mexico, Mark's passion continues in his work as a Special Education teacher at MCS. He spends countless hours in prayer and dedication in finding just the right learning tool for each child. In addition, he serves at Bellevue Baptist Church in the Homebound ministry, visiting senior citizens and volunteers each week for a 3-year program dedicated to digitizing all of Dr. Adrian Rogers sermons. ...
Friday, September 25, 2009
When not working at his day job, Eric Mathews supports entrepreneurship in Memphis by highlighting entrepreneurial activities and nurturing new tech start-ups through Launch Memphis. Eric Mathews is Something Good in Memphis. Nominated by Jenny Sharpe.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Chris works tirelessly at Live From Memphis to showcase unsung creative talent and to cultivate and support creativity in our great city. His work is an essential piece to our city’s growth as we work to retain and recruit talent. Christopher Reyes is Something Good in Memphis. Nominated by Jenny Sharpe.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Tommy Cox is Something Good in Memphis. When he's not serving his dental patients with care and devotion that seems all too rare in healthcare today, he's doing mission trips to bring much needed dental care to impoverished communities around the world. And he's always the first in line with a prayer or helping hand for a friend in need. Nominated by Russ Williams.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Paul gives so much of his time to promote healthy living here in Memphis. For the last 20+ years on Tuesday nights at the U of M track he has lead track workouts for all type of runners who want to try and run their first 5k or their first marathon. He ask for nothing in return, and anyone with a pair of shoes can join in. Paul Sax devotes so much to help people achieve their potential and accomplish goals that might not have been possible without his help. He also is the Director of the 5 Mile...
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Roger started a group, Binghampton Senior Watch, to assist the crossing guards in helping children cross the street safely as they go to and from school. In the afternoon he also passes out books to the neighborhood children because he wants to encourage children to read. He is Something Good in Memphis. Nominated by Juanita White.
Roger Bowen is Something Good in Memphis
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Billy Quin delivered MIFA Meals until he was almost 80 years old. He served as a volunteer for over 15 years, delivering Meals to Memphians once a week. His service and dedication make him truly Something Good in Memphis. Nominated by Susan Deese.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
The Millers, who own Midtown Taekwondo, are the very essence of the tenets of this martial art. They are helping to create a strong, confident city, by creating strong, confident individuals. Their fun yet disciplined approach to teaching is turning out Memphians who are courteous, who have integrity, who will persevere, who use self-control, and who possess an indomitable spirit. They set the bar high and help everyone to push their limits to meet those expectations. The Millers are Something...
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Jeff Nesin has made extraordinary contributions to Memphis through his leadership at the Memphis College of Art. While our community will lose something good when he moves to New York, we can be grateful for the time he was with us. Whether here or away, Jeff Nesin is Something Good in Memphis. Nominated by Margaret Craddock.
Friday, September 18, 2009
David Bell is an assistant federal public defender, and in his free time he compiles weekly lists of job opportunities for defendants and others at the courthouse. He helps people find jobs and meaning when they are at a crossroads. For the work he does, David is Something Good in Memphis. Nominated by Cindy Cates Moore.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Las and Sara Savell have been celebrating Memphians who make a difference on their sign at the corner of Union and McLean for years. These messages help Midtowners focus on the good in Memphis every day. Thank you for being Something Good in Memphis! Nominated by Linda Marks.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Meryl tirelessly organizes the Exxon Annuitants’ volunteer hours and grants each months. He and his loyal group of volunteers provide countless hours to the MIFA Senior Meals program every year. Meryl Broussard is Something Good in Memphis. Nominated by Anna Kathryn Word.
Friday, September 18, 2009
For more than twenty years, James Craven has been delivering Meals for
MIFA. As a longtime volunteer who serves those in need, James is
certainly Something Good in Memphis. Nominated by Thomas Robinson.