St. Patrick’s
Day Charity Selection Press Release—October 22, 2010
The Lawrence St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee kicked off its annual
fundraising campaign at a mixer on Oct 16th by announcing this year's charity
selections. Recipients this year will be Women’s Transitional Care Services,
Douglas County CASA, Family Promise, VanGo, and The Lawrence Humane Society.
Proceeds will be divided equally between all five organizations. These
organizations provide an opportunity to support local young people in a number
of ways.
Women’s Transitional Care Services works to restore health and safety to
victims of domestic and family violence. It intends to use the funding to
provide more beds as well as additional services for children who are not in the
shelter.
Douglas County CASA is currently moving to a different office space. It needs
funds to make that location accessible to the disabled and to acquire child
friendly furnishings.
Family Promise estimates that Lawrence has more than 100 homeless children on
any given day. To help provide shelter for those families, it needs money to
refurbish and furnish its day center.
VanGo is a homegrown organization that works with schools and others to
provide academic support, job skills training, and responsibility to young
people at risk. They are seeking funding to continue their mission.
The Lawrence Humane Society is seeking support for its 3rd grade educational
outreach program.
In 23 years the Lawrence St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee has provided more
than $527,000 to local charities. The Lawrence St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Committee is a 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit organization that makes a difference
through community spirit, giving back, and by turning a one day holiday into an
opportunity to celebrate the community all year. 
The St.
Patrick’s Day Parade Committee uses a partnership approach for funding
the organizations it chooses to support. By doing so it raises awareness for the
organizations it serves at the same time that it raises funds. We have also
discovered this approach builds long lasting friendships between our
organizations.
Money raised comes from hosting special fundraising events including the
Annual Benefit Auction, 5K fun run, and T-shirt sales. Additional events
are
Trivia Night, Dart Tournament, and Motorcycle Rally. New events this year will
include a Texas Hold’em Tournament, Casino Night, Bowling and more. Our success
and that of our beneficiaries depends the participation and cooperation of our
community, our friends, and our neighbors. The community is invited to help by
attending one or more of the activities. Information and schedules can be found
at http://lawrencestpatricksdayparade.com
Thank you,
Roger Browning, Executive Chair
Lawrence St. Patrick’s Day Parade
