St. Patrick’s
Day Charity Selection Press Release—October 18, 2011
The Lawrence St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee is
reaching a milestone this year with its 25th annual fundraising
campaign. In honor of that milestone we are taking on a challenge by
choosing to provide funding to greatest number of charities we have ever
selected. Recipients this year will be The Lawrence Police Blue Santa
Program, Headquarters, and Just Food. This year 75 percent of the proceeds
from the Parade Committee’s fundraising efforts will be divided equally
among these three organizations. The remaining 25 percent will be divided
among tiny-k Early Intervention, Homegrown Lawrence, and Theatre Lawrence’s
Youth Education Program.
We are gratified by this opportunity to continue to
support the needs and well being of our community’s young people.
The Lawrence Police Blue Santa Program with Officer
Laurie Scott leading the way will provide holiday gifts and food for those
living in Lawrence who are less fortunate.
Headquarters guided by Marcia Epstein and Brian Runk
will use funding from the St. Patrick’s Day Parade to increase the scope and
effectiveness of its Children’s Safety Programs.
Just Food headed by Jeremy Farmer has a mission to
fight hunger and give hope to the children and their families in Douglas
County.
tiny k Early Intervention directed by Dena Bracciano
will use the monies to provide adaptive equipment for those with
developmental difficulties from birth to age three.
Homegrown Lawrence, a group effort assisted by Ellie
Garrett and Lisa Hallberg, will utilize funds to support the development and
expansion of the school gardens projects and to promote comprehensive city
coverage of Farm to School programs and events.
Theater Lawrence Youth Education Program funds will go
to scholarships and materials for over a dozen Schools Out, Theatre’s In
camps, Kids at Heart program, and additional youth programs.
We on the committee look forward to working with these
organizations through the coming months and we believe the entire community
benefits from the services and programs they provide.
Since 1988 the Lawrence St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Committee has provided more than $645,000 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, by giving
back, and by turning a one day holiday into an opportunity to celebrate our
community year round.
Money raised comes from donations and from hosting
special fundraising events including the Annual Charity Benefit Auction, 5K
fun run, and T-shirt sales. Additional events include a Trivia Night,
Motorcycle Rallies, Casino Night, Bowling and more. Next up, a Texas Hold’em
Tournament will be held at Johnny’s North on November 6th at 1PM.
Events will culminate with the St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday March 17th.
The community is invited to attend and participate in any or all of these
activities to help our beneficiaries.
Roger Browning
Gene Shaughnessy
Executive Co-Chairs
Lawrence St. Patrick’s Day Parade
