Carousel of Dreams Names 2025 Volunteers of the Year

Carousel of Dreams Names 2025 Volunteers of the Year

(L to R) Joe Jensen, Lawrence “Sully” Sullivan and Bill Foley

---

Honorees’ Service Helps Support Four Williamson County Nonprofits

FRANKLIN, Tenn. (Feb. 3, 2026) – The Carousel of Dreams by Ken Means has named Bill Foley of the Franklin Noon Rotary and Joe Jensen as its 2025 Volunteers of the Year, recognizing their exceptional service and nearly 200 combined volunteer hours in support of the nonprofit, hand-carved carousel at The Factory at Franklin.

Foley logged 99.75 volunteer hours in 2025, while Jensen contributed 98.25 hours, nearly identical totals that reflect months of dedication supporting daily operations and special programs. Both men were honored for their reliability and positive impact on guests and fellow volunteers.

“This is the happiest place in Franklin,” Jensen said. “I can’t leave when I come in because it’s just so much fun. Seeing the smiles on people’s faces makes it feel like an escape, it doesn’t feel like work.”

“I love the stories, the kids and those tender moments that come with serving the community,” Foley said. “From eight weeks old to 80 years old, everyone gets to have fun, and it’s incredibly meaningful to know we’re making an impact by supporting four local charities.”

Both Foley and Jensen said they were encouraged to get involved by Lawrence “Sully” Sullivan, the Carousel’s experience manager and a volunteer, who introduced them to the organization’s volunteer program.

Volunteers play a vital role in the carousel’s mission, assisting with guest services, ensuring safety and fun as carousel attendants, providing event support and engaging with students through educational programs. In less than seven months, the Carousel of Dreams amassed nearly 1,300 volunteer hours, helping create a welcoming experience for families while supporting nonprofits across Williamson County.

The Downtown Rotary Club accounted for the largest organizational volunteer presence, contributing 158.5 hours. Volunteer support also lessens the need for paid team members, allowing the organization to give back directly to its nonprofit partners.

“Bill and Joe embody the spirit of the Carousel of Dreams,” Brandy Blanton, president and CEO of The Circle of Giving said. “We are deeply thankful for their service that allows us to create a magical experience for families while ensuring more of our resources go directly to supporting local nonprofit partners across Williamson County.”

Located at The Factory at Franklin, the Carousel of Dreams by Ken Means is a hand-carved carousel operated by the nonprofit Circle of Giving, with all proceeds benefiting nonprofit organizations serving Williamson County. In 2025, The Circle of Giving began supporting four Williamson County nonprofit organizations and will continue that support through June 2026: Franktown Open Hearts; Friends of Franklin Parks, benefiting Ellie G’s Dream World; Hard Bargain Association; and Needs of Our Kids (N.O.O.K.).

The Carousel of Dreams welcomes new volunteers throughout the year. Those interested in giving back to the community while being part of a joyful, mission-driven experience can learn more and sign up at carouselofdreams.com/volunteer.

To learn more about the carousel, visit carouselofdreams.com or search for The Carousel of Dreams on Instagram and Facebook.

###