100K Ideas brings carnival fun to downtown Flint with a student-led fundraiser

FLINT, Michigan — Get ready to relive your favorite childhood memories — with a purpose. 100K Ideas is bringing nostalgic summer fun to downtown Flint with its third annual student-led fundraiser, 100Karnival, on Friday, June 13, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM inside the historic Dryden Building (601 S Saginaw St).

Featuring carnival games, sweet treats, and family-friendly fun, the event is designed to raise funds for 100K Ideas’ Student Staff Development Fund, which supports the professional growth of the organization’s college-aged student workers.

“The student staff put ideas from the student staff to a vote, and the overall enthusiasm was for this theme,” said Ja’Shawna Whitmore, Marketing Specialist at 100K Ideas. “We wanted to reignite the love for classic games and community in downtown Flint. By offering carnival games and entertainment, we are bringing back the kid in everyone.”

Attendees can look forward to more than a dozen interactive games and activities including face painting, mini skeeball, a basketball shootout, fishing for rubber ducks, target toss, cornhole, and even an outdoor dunk tank. Carnival tickets won at each game can be redeemed for prizes, many of which have been donated by local small businesses through the Shops on Saginaw.

But 100Karnival is more than just fun and games, it’s an opportunity for student staff to build real-world experience. The fundraiser is entirely organized by students who are learning key soft skills like communication, project management, event planning, and teamwork.

“This whole process captures the entrepreneurial spirit,” said Whitmore. “Hopefully, it inspires others to see that anything is possible. Everything starts as an idea, and with the right attitude, work ethic, and support from others, great things can happen.”

All proceeds from the event will directly benefit the Student Staff Development Fund, which provides resources for workshops, networking events, and other career-building opportunities for students at 100K Ideas.

“This event provides recognition and an audience to promote small business owners who have donated to our event,” Whitmore added. “We hope to reach new audiences and tell them about our services and how we help the community, in addition to fostering community connections in a fun and interactive space.”

For tickets to 100Karnival, click here. To learn more about 100K Ideas, visit: 100kideas.org