Featured Fundraiser: Lexington Center
Lexington Center is a private, non-profit organization based in Upstate New York and serves those with developmental and learning disabilities, autism, mental illness, cerebral palsy, physical disabilities, epilepsy and/or traumatic brain injuries. The thoughtful and dedicated people that make up the organization provide a creative and nurturing environment for those they serve. Whether they are creating beautiful works of art or supporting their own rock band, Flame, Lexington Center has been helping its community for almost 60 years now!
Fundraise.com spoke with Tim from Lexington Center over email to find out more about how they got started and what keeps them going.
How did the Lexington Center get its start?
Over 50 years ago a group of parents who had children with disabilities created a place where their children could go to learn, live and succeed.
What motivates you in your fundraising efforts?
Accomplishing a goal that for everyone else seems impossible in the beginning.
What is your favorite part of working with the Lexington Center?
Seeing the positive effect the fruits of our fundraising has for the people we support and their families.
Who benefits from your fundraising efforts?
Everyone from the community benefits from our fundraising. Our current campaign is to create a community art center where people we support and everyone from the community can create works of art, cook masterful meals and make beautiful music. This center will bring people together of all ages and backgrounds - where they can express themselves and connect with fellow artists, chefs and musicians.
What advice do you have for aspiring fundraisers?
Be organized, have a clear attainable goal, get as much volunteer help as possible, promote your cause in a way that captures people’s hearts and inspires them to act.
What goals are you trying to reach by fundraising?
We typically fundraise for specific campaigns - like a custom tour bus for our rock band Flame (the world renowned musical group of people with disabilities) or for a new Arts Center that will include a recording studio for Flame and the community.
Do you have any additional notes or stories about your cause you would like to share?
One of the best ways to change public perceptions about people with developmental disabilities is awareness and community inclusion - fundraising is a great way for the community to connect with your program and take ownership of your mission.
For more information about Lexington Center please visit: Online Disability Fundraising
