Les Passees

What Les Passees does

Les Passees, Inc. is a Memphis, Tennessee-based, all-women volunteer nonprofit organization founded in 1910 that provides advocacy and support to enhance the quality of life for children and families in the greater Memphis community. Membership requires application, payment of annual dues ($125, plus $35 for the Fine Arts subgroup), and fulfillment of service obligations; governance is provided by an elected Executive Board (President Leslie Darr, President Elect Susie Dugger, Treasurer Jennifer Kruchten, and others) with paid professional staffing limited to specialized program roles such as the Kids on the Block Executive Director.

Its portfolio of programs is anchored by four operational pillars. The largest fundraiser is the Stock Exchange, a six-week upscale consignment popup held each fall at a rotating Memphis commercial property, accepting home furnishings, d\u00e9cor, art, and collectibles from over 1,000 consignors and retaining 30% of sales plus a $1-per-item service fee. The Kids on the Block program is an award-winning educational puppet troupe adapted from an international curriculum in the 1980s, delivering free 45-minute performances covering bullying, safety, grief, anxiety, and healthy habits to over 25,000 Mid-South youth annually. The Cabaret gala (dating to 1928) and the newer Mahjong Night (launched February 2026) are annual social fundraisers; a Grants Program launched in 2022 disburses $60,000 annually to Memphis charities serving children and families.

The business model is event-driven and donor-funded: revenue streams include consignment transaction fees, donations (starting at $10), membership subscriptions, gala/event proceeds, and an online shop selling LP SWAG, cakes, pies, and jewelry. Distribution runs through free school and community performances, the popup retail event, the online shop, and community/earned-media outreach (WMCTV, KWAM). Geographic scope is regional, confined to the Memphis/Mid-South market, with no technology platform or proprietary software at the core of operations.

Name

Les Passees

Legal name

Les Passees, Inc.

Website

https://lpmemphis.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1910

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Les Passees is a 115-year-old, all-women volunteer nonprofit in Memphis, Tennessee, that supports children and families through an annual Stock Exchange consignment fundraiser, a Kids on the Block educational puppet troupe, the Cabaret gala, and a grants program disbursing $60,000 annually to local charities.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Nonprofit Services

NAICS

Grantmaking and Giving Services (81321), Educational Services (611), Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events without Facilities (711320)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Dropout Prevention, Alternative Education & Re-Engagement Nonprofits (BPAGADAL)

akta.pro secondary industry

Family, Kids & Education Fairs (MPAGAFAH)

Keywords

• Nonprofit volunteer organization
• Children's charity grants
• Consignment fundraising events
• Educational puppet programs
• Community advocacy services

Headquarters

HQ city

Memphis

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Stock Exchange Consignment Sales: The organization's largest fundraiser. Accepts upscale home furnishings, décor, and collectibles from over 1,000 consignors. Les Passees retains 30% of sales, with a $1 service fee per item. Consignors pay $25 per 50 items consigned. Held annually for six weeks in the fall.
2. Donations: Monetary contributions from individuals and organizations to support children and families in the Memphis community. Donations start at $10 and support the Kids on the Block program and various children's charities.
3. Shop Sales: Online store selling cakes, pies, LP SWAG merchandise, and jewelry. Items must be picked up at Les Passees House or arrangements can be made for pickup.
4. Membership Dues: Annual membership dues of $125, with additional Fine Arts dues of $35 for members ranked Senior 1 and higher. Membership requires application, financial commitments, service, and additional obligations.
5. Cabaret Gala: Annual social event featuring dinner, dancing, silent auction, and Living Ads where members' children and grandchildren represent sponsors. Celebrates sponsors and volunteers while raising funds.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Les Passees is an all-women volunteer nonprofit organization that provides advocacy and support to enhance the quality of life for children and families in the Memphis community. Its offerings include the annual Stock Exchange upscale consignment store fundraiser, the Kids on the Block educational puppet performance program, an annual Cabaret gala, a Grants Program distributing funds to local children's charities, and an online Shop selling branded merchandise and member goods.

Product overview

Les Passees is a women's volunteer nonprofit organization offering a portfolio of community programs. Its primary offerings include the Stock Exchange (an upscale consignment store fundraiser celebrating 40 years), the Kids on the Block puppet troupe (reaching 25,000 youth annually), an annual Cabaret gala, a Grants Program distributing $60,000 annually to children's charities, a Shop for member goods, and a Fine Arts subgroup. These programs collectively support children and families in the Memphis community.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Les Passees Stock Exchange: Annual six-week upscale consignment store for home furnishings, décor and treasures, celebrating 40 years in 2026. Major fundraiser for the organization.
• Kids on the Block
• Les Passees Cabaret
• Les Passees Grants Program

Products and services

• Stock Exchange An annual six-week upscale pop-up consignment store held in the fall in Memphis, featuring furniture, art, rugs, china, jewelry, and decorative home items from over 1,000 consignors. Les Passees retains 30% of sales with a $1 service fee per item, and consignors pay $25 per 50 items consigned. The event is the organization's largest fundraiser supporting children and family charities.
• Kids on the Block An award-winning educational puppet troupe program that performs in grade schools and community spaces across the Memphis Mid-South area, reaching over 25,000 youth annually. Performances are 45 minutes long, include two scripts with audience participation, and cover topics such as bullying, safety, healthy habits, grief, anxiety, and depression. Provided free of charge to educational institutions and nonprofits.
• Grants Program An annual grant program launched in 2022 that awards funding to Memphis-area charities assisting children and families. Distributed $60,000 in 2024 and 2025 to seven organizations each year. First year of the program attracted more than 36 applicant organizations.
• Cabaret Gala An annual gala held in Memphis since 1928 featuring dinner, dancing, a silent auction, and Living Ads performed by members' children and grandchildren representing corporate sponsors. The event celebrates sponsors and volunteers while raising funds for Les Passees' community programs.
• Shop An online store on the Les Passees website selling cakes, pies, LP SWAG branded merchandise, and jewelry. Items are available for pickup at Les Passees House or by delivery arrangement. Proceeds support the organization's community programs for children and families.
• Fine Arts A subgroup of Les Passees established in 1962 that celebrates talented women in the club and hosts educational and social gatherings for members ranked Senior 1 and higher. Members pay an additional $35 in annual Fine Arts dues.

Quantifiable outcome

• Reaches over 25,000 youth annually through Kids on the Block puppet performances
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered major, standard, core and minor.

• Baptist Memorial HealthcaremajorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor of Les Passees. Baptist Memorial Healthcare has been listed as a sponsor on the Sponsors & Partnerships page, supporting the club's mission to help children and families in the greater Memphis area.
• State Farm (Craig Whittington, Agent)standardGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as a sponsor on the Les Passees Sponsors & Partnerships page, supporting the organization's community programs for children and families.
• Bryce CorpstandardGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor supporting Les Passees events and programs for Memphis children and families.
• The Harwood CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLes Passees partnered with Harwood Center in 2009 to open Harwood's third classroom location at Collierville Methodist Church (later moved to Hope Church, then University of Memphis campus). Supported teaching functional skills to developmentally delayed children aged 18 months to 6 years in Shelby County. Support continued until Harwood found new patronage in 2021.
• University of MemphiscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHarwood Center classrooms relocated to University of Memphis campus in 2021, merging Specialized Education teachers and Certified Behavior Analysts in an 8,000 sq foot renovated building.
• Commercial Property PartnersmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGenerous commercial property partnerships afford Les Passees retail space for Stock Exchange. However, the location may change every year within the Memphis, TN area. This partnership is essential for the organization's largest annual fundraiser.
• Madonna Learning CentermajorOthersGrant recipient supporting children and adults with special needs. Received $30,000 grant in 2025 for minivan to transport students. Also received grants in 2024 (iMacs) and 2023 (Bluff City Toffee equipment).
• Isaiah 117 HousestandardOthersGrant recipient for kinship placement foster care program. Received $6,000 grant in 2025 for resources and support.
• Christopher A. Pugh II CenterstandardOthersGrant recipient for workforce development program for at-risk young men. Programs include culinary arts, film production, and HVAC apprenticeship. Received $5,000 grant in 2025.
• Neighborhood Christian CenterstandardOthersGrant recipient for workforce development and entrepreneurial training including Holey Cakes Training program. Received $5,000 grant in 2025, $5,000 in 2024, and grant in 2023.
• Samaritan Counseling CenterstandardOthersGrant recipient providing affordable mental healthcare for Memphis children. Received $5,000 grant in 2025 for Client Assistance Fund.
• Room in the Inn MemphisstandardOthersGrant recipient for 24/7 Family Inn shelter for homeless families. Received $4,500 grant in 2025 and grant in 2022.
• Southern ReinsstandardOthersGrant recipient for therapeutic horseback riding services. Received $4,500 grant in 2025 and $8,000 grant in 2024 for outdoor round pen arena.
• Porter-LeathstandardOthersGrant recipient for preschool program serving 1,200 children and families at five sites across Memphis. Focus on evidence-based curriculum and health, disability, and nutrition services.
• Ronald McDonald House CharitiesstandardOthersGrant recipient for Memphis Burial Assistance Program providing $1,200 grants to families who have lost a child. Received $6,000 grant in 2024.
• My Town MiraclesstandardOthersGrant recipient for 'Daily Miracles' program transporting essentials to families in low-income neighborhoods. Received $30,000 grant in 2024 for van purchase.
• Dixon Gallery & GardensminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated with Les Passees Kids on the Block on 'KOTB Goes to the Dixon' video - a sensory tour of the gallery featuring puppet characters Renaldo and Nam.
• Multinational MemphisstandardOthersGrant recipient helping refugee/immigrant families with limited English skills become part of Memphis community. 2023 grant helped 220 students from PreK-12th grade with homework, STEM, art, recreation and snacks.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Pilot International: Civic service organization of business and professional women focused on brain-related disorders and community improvement. Comparable women-led volunteer service club with local chapter grantmaking model.
• Zonta International: Global organization of professionals empowering women through service and advocacy, with local clubs conducting fundraising and grants. Comparable women's volunteer service structure with charitable grantmaking focus.
• National Charity League: Mother-daughter volunteer organization with chapters nationwide conducting philanthropic work and community service. Comparable volunteer-driven, women-led fundraising and grantmaking model serving children's causes.
• Junior League of Memphis: Women-led volunteer organization in Memphis focused on community service, training members in leadership, and funding local nonprofits. Most direct comparable to Les Passees given shared women's volunteer model, Memphis geography, and nonprofit grantmaking activity.
• Assemblies USA (General Federation of Women's Clubs member assemblies): State-level federations of women's volunteer clubs under GFWC umbrella, conducting community fundraising and grantmaking similar to Les Passees. Closest structural peer at state/regional federation level.

Regional players

• Volunteer Memphis: Memphis-based volunteer center connecting community members to local nonprofits. Operates in the same Memphis geography with volunteer-driven mission, though focused on volunteer matching rather than direct grantmaking.
• Memphis Grizzlies Community Foundation: Memphis-based sports-affiliated nonprofit conducting grantmaking and youth programming in the same Memphis market. Competes for the same corporate sponsors and donor dollars supporting Memphis children's charities.

Broad incumbents

• General Federation of Women's Clubs (GFWC): National federation of women's volunteer clubs with over a century of history, conducting community service, fundraising, and grantmaking. Closest national-level peer to Les Passees' historic women's volunteer service club structure.
• Junior League International (The Association of Junior Leagues International): International umbrella organization for Junior Leagues with mission of women developing civic leadership through volunteering. Comparable women-led volunteer model with broader national scale and similar grantmaking/community impact work.

Others

• Porter-Leath: Major Memphis early childhood education nonprofit serving 1,200+ children, and an active grant recipient of Les Passees. Adjacent peer operating in the same children's services space and sharing the Memphis funding ecosystem.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Les Passees