Lawrence St.Patrick's Day Parade PRESS RELEASE Aug

PRESS RELEASE

Mike Lohmann and Brenda Walsh,

Executive Co-Chairs

Aug 22, 2008

"With summer coming to a close, it hardly seems like the time to think about Leprechauns & Shamrocks. However, it is the time to apply to be considered as a beneficiary to be a 2009 Lawrence St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee Charity. And, spring is not that far away! Our selection process has moved ahead a little from years past in an effort to improve the budgeting process for both our donors and recipients.

The Lawrence St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee is an all-volunteer organization of friends and neighbors who celebrate the legend and spirit of St. Patrick through fun, education, and a good old-fashioned parade; who also, support and exemplify the idea that charity and goodwill begins at home, benefiting our community.

All around Lawrence you can see the past work in our community aided by this committee, in playground equipment, in furnishing learning and activity centers, at childhood assistance agencies, through youth programs, and in the many smiles on young faces. To continue this tradition we are pleased to announce that we will be accepting applications through October 1^st. Details and applications can be found on our website. http://lawrencestpatricksdayparade.com

We, Mike Lohmann and Brenda Walsh, Committee Co-Chairs are excited to announce for 2009 our 22^nd annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. We are honored to co-chair this year’s Parade Committee and anticipate ANOTHER GREAT PARADE with better weather and another successful fundraising campaign to benefit local children’s charities! This year’s activities will include the Charity Auction Saturday February 28^th, the St. Patrick’s Day Queen Pageant, the ‘Shamrock Shuffle’ 5K/Fun Run on the Levee/Johnny’s, the St. Patrick’s Day Poker Run from Slow Ride Tavern, a Dart Tournament at The Red Lyon, the Benefit Trivia Contest and, of course, the Parade itself on Tuesday March 17^th. Since its inception, the Lawrence St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee has provided over $479,000 dollars for local children’s charities.

From now until 5:00 pm Wednesday October 1^st, The Lawrence St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee will be accepting applications from area organizations that focus on the needs of children in our community. Every year we receive many quality applications. This year we will, again, consider choosing more than one recipient. All charitable groups serving children in Douglas County are encouraged to apply.

Previous beneficiaries include the Ballard Center, the Ryan Gray Playground for All Children, the LMH Pediatric Wing, THRIL, the Douglas County Infant/Toddler Coordinating Council, the Crown Casting Club, Lawrence Youth Football, The Shelter, Inc., HealthCare Access, and Douglas County Friends of Children in Foster Care." (see other past charities)