Lawrence St Patrick's Day Parade Charities !

Social Service League

and the County Fair Swim Club

Lawrence Journal-World Story                   Sunflower Channel 6 News

St. Patrick’s Day Charity Selection Press Release—October 4, 2007

I’d like to welcome the members of the press, the committee, the representatives of our 2008 beneficiaries, and all other special guests. Thank you for being here. On behalf of the Lawrence St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee which, going on 21 years now has succeeded in taking a one day holiday and fashioning into an opportunity for everyone to celebrate our community the year-round. While the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee not only entertains young and old with traditional parades, it, with hard work and the generosity of friends and neighbors has provided more than $435,000.00 to local charities benefiting the young people of our area.

The money raised comes from hosting special fundraising events such as our annual benefit auctions and 5K fun runs, as well as T-shirt sales, plus the all important charitable contributions of individuals and businesses. Additional special events include a Trivia Night, Dart Tourney, and Motorcycle Run. Providing community spirit and giving back is what this committee is about. To that end there is a little unfinished business.

Pet World announcement for donation of $500 prize money to the Broken Arrow School library. Pet World was the 1st Place Commercial entry winner for the 2007 Parade.

The Lawrence St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee is itself a 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit organization that attempts to demonstrate through fun, education, and hard work that we can each make a difference in our community.

With a somewhat different tack than many agencies the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee has developed a partnership approach for funding the organizations it chooses to support. Rather than distributing funds from predetermined budget the Committee teams with its charities to reach out into the community together. By doing so it raises awareness for the organizations it serves at the same time it raises funds. We have also discovered this approach builds long lasting friendships between our organizations.

Today we kick-off our 2008 fundraising campaign. In doing so, we renew our commitment to the enrichment of our community. I remind everyone, our success as well as that of our beneficiaries depends the participation and cooperation of that same community also known as our friends and neighbors.

The organizations that the Committee has selected to work alongside of this year provide us with an opportunity to reflect on our past as we prepare for their future. One, I believe, holds the distinction of being the oldest charitable organization in Lawrence—going back to 1861. The other has been a focal point and the cement…helping to bond a neighborhood for almost 50 years.

About one month ago we invited charitable groups to apply to the Committee for funding. Of the many worthy proposals received this year, the Committee elected to provide support for two charities: the Social Service League and the County Fair Swim Club these organizations not only prompted us with their need but also represent the spirit of outreach and the great generosity for which our community is known. By providing to these two programs our aim is to give back to our community by a means that touches the lives of families and children in positive and memorable ways. We ask everyone in the community to join with us in helping these organizations provide necessities and opportunities that our young people deserve.

Our 2008 Charitable Beneficiaries

Social Service League

County Fair Swim Club

In the coming months, we ask everyone to, please, contribute and be a part of the special events that will be sponsored by the Lawrence St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee. We are looking forward to having everyone at the Celebrity Sports Auction Saturday, February 23rd, the 5K Shamrock Shuffle on Saturday, March 10th, and to show us a wee bit of Irish at the Parade on Monday, March 17th 2008.

Thanks to the many members of the community for your continuing support, for your contributions, donations, and participation throughout the years. And thanks to everyone here for coming today.

Sincerely,

The Lawrence St. Patrick's Day Parade

For information please call 749-6677,

email: info@lawrencestpatricksdayparade.com,

or visit our website at http://www.lawrencestpatricksdayparade.com

Thank You!