The Lawrence St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee has selected five local organizations serving kids that will receive donations from the 2024 parade and the events leading up to it.
This year’s beneficiaries, according to a recent news release from the parade committee, are:
• Baby Jay’s Legacy of Hope, which assists families during their child’s battle with pediatric cancer;
• Lawrence Community Nursery School, which provides low-cost and inclusive education for little ones;
• Lawrence Unchained Bicycle Co-op, which provides low-cost or free bicycles, parts, helmets, and more for kids and adults who might not otherwise be able to afford them;
• Positive Bright Start, an early childhood education center that provides therapy services and financial aid for students and families; and
• River City Rock Camp, which helps young musicians foster self-confidence through an immersive music education program.
The parade cycle’s events kick off soon with Irish Road Bowling. Teams of four will “bowl” a metal cannonball around a 1-mile course at Clinton Lake in as few tosses as possible. Though the event is a fundraiser for the wee ones, it’s intended for those 21 and up.
The event starts at noon Saturday, Oct. 21. There’s a recommended donation of $160 per four-person team. Find out more and register on the parade’s website, lawrencestpatricksdayparade.com.
There will be more Irish Road Bowling in March. In the meantime, there’s a traditional bowling tournament and a pub quiz trivia night tentatively planned for February, as well as a pool tournament, charity auction, the Shamrock Shuffle 5K, the Luck of the Irish Poker Run and more coming up with dates to be announced.
The parade has raised more than $1.2 million for Douglas County-area children’s charities over 36 parade seasons, according to the release.
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