7 minute read
Inspiration
As a nonprofi t, Shriners Children’s Lexington relies on the generosity of donors to make these successes possible. Unlike other nonprofi t health systems, SCL still receives more than 70% of its operating budget from ongoing philanthropic support. This October, new opportunities are available with the launch of 31 Days to Amaze. The inaugural philanthropy campaign unites businesses and the community in support of the mission of Shriners Children’s. No matter if a business is big or small, online or at a physical location, Shriners Children’s will help coordinate a participation plan specifi cally for them. “This is a phenomenal partnership that allows one of the most trusted brands in pediatric care to impact the lives of children through collaboration with our amazing community partners,” said Wesley Scott, director of philanthropy at Shriners Children’s Lexington. “The whole concept is you have 31 days to give back to our patients in whatever way that fi ts best for you and your business or organization. It could be a month-long campaign or a single day. It could be as easy as setting out a donation box all the way up to a portion of all sales in a timeframe being donated back. And everything in between.”
All funds donated by the supporting business partners will help ensure that Shriners Children’s Lexington continues to provide children from Lexington and around the globe with world-class, wraparound care. Anyone can participate by shopping at, dining with or supporting the events of the community partners participating in the campaign. For more information, visit 31daystoamaze.org or contact Wesley Scott at 859-268-5768.
Today, Iker is going into second grade. He loves playing freeze tag with his friends on the school playground and his favorite subject is math. When he’s at home, he likes playing with his giant LEGO’S and does “virtual surgeries” through an app on his mom’s phone. He dreams of being a surgeon one day to help kids like himself. His parents said his can-do attitude has been integral in his successes.
“He’s so strong,” Abigail said. “He never says, ‘I can’t.’ He can do everything he puts his mind to.” Shriners Children’s Lexington has played a role, too. “We set out looking for the very best option for our son,” Alfonso said. “And Shriners has been it.” •
ShrinersLexington.org To make a gift or learn more about 31 Days to Amaze: 859-268-5768 For general information: 859-266-2101 For appointments/referrals: 859-268-5675 Shriners Children’s is changing lives every day through innovative pediatric specialty care, world-class research and outstanding medical education. Our multiple locations in the United States, Canada and Mexico provide advanced care for children with orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate, regardless of the families’ ability to pay. Over the last 100 years, Shriners Children’s has treated more than 1.5 million children from more than 170 countries, seeing more than 16,000 kids each year right here in Lexington. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofi t organization, the healthcare system depends on the generosity of donors to continue improving the lives of children and families. Here are just some of the ways you can help during 31 Days to Amaze: • Make a direct donation to Shriners
Children’s • Donate a portion of proceeds on sales of a product(s) or services • Run a register fundraising campaign • Provide wall tags for donations in a location • Allow customers to donate at your business website • Host an event/fundraiser • Employee giving with a company match • Email giving campaign to clients/ vendors • Invite your customers to take a survey of your service and donate money for every completed survey • Host a speaker panel event or virtual webinar and donate the entrance fee to Shriners • Host a virtual auction benefi tting
Shriners Children’s • Host a golf tournament • Donate your vehicle to Shriners
Children’s For more information, visit 31daystoamaze.org
Kimberly Henderson Baird, Chairperson After a two-year hiatus, the Roots and Heritage Festival is back—and the community is thrilled. According to Chairperson Kimberly Henderson Baird, “I cannot begin to talk about the comments and excitement that has been generated when we announced we were returning in person! After having the festival in person each year since 1989, it was devastating to have to cancel in 2020 and 2021 for the pandemic. The community was upset but understood. We are very glad that we can reunite in person this year.”
The festival has been an integral part of bringing regional diversity through entertainment and education for over 30 years. In the late eighties, a group of community volunteers came together with a common goal: to highlight the history of the East End area and celebrate African American culture and achievement. What began as a grassroots one-day festival has grow to three-day, kick-off weekend and a month-long celebration that has been named a “Top Ten” festival in the region by the Kentucky Tourism Council and “One Of The Top Twenty Events” in the Southeast tourism region.
Roots and Heritage promotes inclusion, pride, and unity while offering top-notch music, shopping, food, and family-focused activities. “Lexington is very diverse; highlighting the culture, achievement, and diversity of those in the community helps us to better understand and appreciate each other—and in that education, hopefully, to strengthen us as a city,” Baird said. She has been heading up the action for the last 17 years. In addition to her role as chairperson, Baird has served as an Assistant Commonwealth Attorney since 1996 and became the First Assistant in 2016. She is also an advisor and instructor to the Lexington Police Department and a guest instructor at Eastern Kentucky University, Department of Criminal Justice Training.
Each year, Baird most looks forward to witnessing the convergence of community. She said, “Standing on stage at the end of each evening and seeing the sea of hundreds of people in the crowd and the vendors lined up for three blocks. That’s the sign of a truly successful festival.”
She also feels the family atmosphere of the festival makes it truly unique and special: “People plan their family reunions around the festival and old friends are able to see each other and catch up. It is such a warm and loving atmosphere that energizes me to keep being a part of the festival each year.”
In closing, Baird said, “A fi rst time attendee will greatly enjoy every aspect of the festival. The festival is a wonderful experience for anyone to attend. Attendees can check our website leading up to the festival to see the updates on performers and activities that will be happening during the month.”
Don’t miss out on this important Lexington tradition. We look forward to seeing you there!
Save the Date
The main weekend-long event will take place September 9-11, 2022 and o ers something for everyone. For those who have never attended, Baird provided a run-down of all the amazing events: • Friday evening, the stage opens with jazz and blues. • On Saturday, various R & B artists will o er their individual stylings. • Saturday afternoon, the parade, featuring local community groups and marching bands, will wind through the historic East End neighborhood. • Saturday night, prepare for dancing in the streets when the national headliner Party
Train—The Gap Band Tribute performs. • Sunday’s highlight is a spirit-fi lled gospel celebration. • Throughout the weekend, you can visit the magnifi cent marketplace of vendors who o er a large variety of cultural wares to purchase, including art, jewelry, books, music, clothing, and food. • To ensure there is something for young and old alike, the festival also provides a
KidsFest area with activities for children.
