STAR-STUDDED!
Ricky Watters, a champion at all levels, delivered the keynote address at A Night of Excellence to 32 brightly shining stars – our scholarship recipients – with a record crowd of friends, family and community supporters in attendance.
A NIGHT OF EXCELLENCE
A LEGEND ON THE MIC & THE KIDS IN THE SPOTLIGHT
OUR 39TH ANNUAL CELEBRATION
We were proud to recognize these 32 extraordinary students who represent one of the most diverse and competitive classes of scholarship recipients we have ever assembled.
Selected from a record breaking number of application submissions from our local community, and from our expanded community around the state, these students proved that they consistently pursue their goals with the kind of energy, hard work and commitment that helped them earn their place as champions in the spotlight.
It was an honor to award their achievements, and just as importantly, a pleasure to honor the community that helps support them.
Congratulations, and thanks to all who helped make this night a huge success!
OUR 2025 SCHOLARSHIP CLASS
Kiwanis Club of Carefree Benefit Foundation is pleased to recognize these outstanding scholarship recipients from 2025.
EVENT SPONSORS
THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROUS CONTRIBUTIONS
“Those who are happiest are those who do the most for others.”
— Booker T. Washington
CHAMPION FOR KIDS
2025 AWARD RECIPIENT
A KINDRED SPIRIT
Kiwanis Club of Carefree had the distinct pleasure of presenting the prestigious Champion for Kids award to Ricky Watters whose extraordinary efforts align with our own mission – a mission dedicated to improving the quality of life for youth in our community.
From discovering he was an adoptee in his youth, to his active involvement in mentoring foster youth for decades, to becoming an adoptive dad himself, Ricky Watters uses his celebrity and platform to raise awareness for many of the forgotten and vulnerable youth in our communities.
Through such initiatives as The Ricky Watters Family Foundation and Watters Warriors, Ricky has provided impactful resources and opportunities for youth, including life-changing charitable events, camps, and mentoring programs.
Whether coaching young athletes, or mentoring foster kids, juvenile delinquents, or even gang members, Ricky has consistently demonstrated a genuine commitment to helping at-risk youth and making a real difference.
He is passionately driven by seeing the great potential in kids, while tirelessly modeling a hard earned leadership, discipline and accountability – with a will to persevere. And it has all been underscored by the consistent love – sometimes a tough love – necessary to gain respect and instill the necessary tools that effectively change lives for the better.
We recognize a kindred spirit when we see one. Thank you, Ricky Watters, for your exceptional contributions on behalf of the youth in our community. Our 2025 Champion for Kids!