Carowinds Cares: Committed to Our Community

With the program Carowinds Cares, which supports youth and families in the community to ensure a bright and stable future for the Carolinas, Carowinds' associates continue to make others smile with philanthropy.

Giving Back 

The dedication to community support is evident in the substantial contributions Carowinds has made, including the donation of 483 tickets to 79 non-profit organizations in 2023. These actions aid in fundraising efforts for these organizations and align with Carowinds' goal to enhance the well-being, education, and success of youth and families. Moreover, the park's associates have shown tremendous support through their fundraising efforts, directly benefiting Carolinians through meals, holiday cheer, and donations of essential items.

2023 Community Impact

Associate Initiatives: Through purchases at Outfitters, an associate store, catering, and Carowinds Cares events, teams collectively supported 775 Carolinians with meals and provided holiday support for 437 individuals through Mission Christmas. Overall, associates raised and contributed over $31,000 to Carowinds Cares initiatives.

Direct Impact: Contributions were made to 437 individuals, including support to Block Love Charlotte and Safe Passage Inc., offering clothing and hygiene items to community members in need. An ongoing partnership with Levine Children's Hospital included character visits and gift distributions to young patients.

Educational Support: Carowinds Cares awarded six continuing education scholarships to Carowinds associates.

Race Against Hunger

Carowinds and Cedar Fair Charities Inc. are proud to support Feeding America in the Race Against Hunger. Feeding America estimates that over 44 million people, including one in five children in the United States, will face hunger this year.

One of the charitable organization's goals is to nourish Carowinds' surrounding communities by supporting programs designed to teach about nutrition and provide direct food services to families in need.

Associates are invited to participate in a virtual fundraiser to provide meals to people facing hunger. Cedar Fair has pledged to match every dollar park teams donate up to $50,000. Local Feeding America partner food banks will receive 100% of every dollar donated through this virtual fundraiser. Locally, funds donated by Carowinds' teams will support Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina, located in Charlotte, N.C., and Harvest Hope Food Bank, located in Columbia, S.C.

In 2023, Carowinds' associates volunteered at Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina, which serves 24 counties in North Carolina and South Carolina, and made several donations in times of need.

Serving Children with Life-Threatening Conditions

A Kid Again Central Carolinas

Carowinds is proud to continue partnering with A Kid Again's Central Carolinas Chapter. Throughout the region, A Kid Again serves over 900 families who each have a child affected by a life-threatening condition.

Birthday Bash

A Kid Again's Central Carolinas Chapter hosts a birthday bash at Carowinds each spring. Adventure Guides and guests have the chance to celebrate their birthday and the organization's anniversary in the most thrilling way possible.

Scare School

During SCarowinds, teens and their families from A Kid Again participate in Scare School. Event guests get a behind-the-scenes look at how monsters are created and how costumes are prepared.

Holiday Adventure

WinterFest at Carowinds is a magical time for A Kid Again's Central Carolinas Chapter. The first weekend in December always allows families to take a timeout from illness and enjoy a holiday.

Children's Attention Home

In 2023, the food and beverage department provided a meal monthly, complete with meal delivery, to the Children's Attention Home (CAH), which provides nurturing care and life-changing services for youth and families in need.

World Wish Day for Make-A-Wish Central and Western North Carolina

Make-A-Wish chapters across the nation celebrate World Wish Day on April 29, the anniversary of the organization's first wish. The Central and Western North Carolina chapter has held their World Wish Day celebration at Carowinds for over a decade. Local Wish families, select donors, and community partners spend the day enjoying the many rides, attractions, and live entertainment at Carowinds.

Give Kids the World

The World Passport, provided through the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), offers qualifying families the opportunity to visit any of the included theme parks or amusement parks for one year from the date of "departure." Carowinds is proud to participate in this program, providing family members listed on the World Passport with complimentary park admission. In 2023, Carowinds provided 50 family visits through the World Passport program.

Encouraging Blood Donors

Carowinds is proud to partner with organizations in our community that provide volunteer opportunities for individuals to support the ongoing need for life-saving blood donations.

In 2023, Carowinds partnered with OneBlood for a SCarowinds-themed blood drive in September, which included a donation incentive for donors to receive SCarowinds admission.