2017 Charity Beneficiaries

Douglas County CASA
Douglas County CASA provides comprehensive advocacy for abused and neglected children in need of care and under the protection of the court system. Its trained volunteers are dedicated to be the child's voice through their journey to a safe, loving permanent home. CASA plans to use its donation to further its volunteer recruiting; currently the organization has 60 children awaiting an advocate. "At the same time the need for CASA volunteers has increased, so many funding sources have diminished,” said Diana Seely Frederick, executive director, Douglas County CASA. “We feel so honored by this opportunity to get financial help from the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, especially because of their deep history of giving back to children from our community. It gives us hope."

The Sunrise Project
Sunrise Project is a nonprofit organization that connects people to good food, community and the environment. They offer a variety of nutrition-based programs throughout the community, and soon at their future home in the former Sunrise Garden Center in East Lawrence. They plan to use their parade donation to support their work teaching children the love of gardening, the environment and healthy food. “As a nascent organization, of course we are very excited about the funds we will receive from the St Patrick’s Day Parade Committee,” said Emily Hampton, director Sunrise Project. “But, just as important, we understand how being part of this longstanding Lawrence tradition will help us build bridges throughout the community. We look forward to fully participating in every parade event.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Douglas County
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Douglas County helps match caring mentors with children who need the friendship of a special adult in their lives. They do this both as in-school matches and as community matches. Big Brothers/Sisters will use the funds they receive to expand their partnership with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Department and the KU Police Department. “We have been working with local law enforcement to build matches between the officers in our community and school children,” said Mark Gordy, interim area manager. “We plan to use the funds we receive to directly impact that program. We are looking forward to a very fun parade season, and we can’t wait to engage our deep network of volunteers.”