Over 200 guests attended the Leelanau Children’s Center’s (LCC) annual Leelanau Grown Feast & Fundraiser on July 23 helping to raise $120,550 to support the center’s financial aid program which provides tuition assistance to all enrolled students ensuring quality pre-k education is available to all families in the region.
The event was held at Aurora Vineyards and despite the cloudy and wet weather the evening was filled with warmth, camaraderie and a shared sense of purpose as guests participated in the annual “Raise the Paddle” facilitated by auctioneer, Wade Leist; after which they competed to win an E-Bike from Suttons Bay Bike.
“We were thrilled to see loyal supporters and new friends coming together to make a difference,” said Heidi Kruse, LCC executive director. “Support of this event demonstrates the community’s understanding of the importance of quality Early Childhood Education in our community.
“LCC provides services at a foundational level allowing parents to work in local businesses while having a safe and supportive place for their children,” Kruse said.
The event included entertainment by Nashville Recording artist and LCC alumni Sierra Cassidy (i.am.james) followed by a heartwarming testimonial by past parent and social worker Amanda Stowe, LMSW.
“Investing in quality Early Childhood Education is crucial” Stowe said. “as 90% of the brain grows in the first five years and that is why children need to be in a nurturing and child centered quality early child experience.
High quality programs, like the Leelanau Children’s Center deliver better education and social and economic outcomes.
“Children who attend quality programs were less likely to need remedial education saving tens of thousands of dollars per student,” she said The Leelanau Children’s Center has been serving the community for over 48 years and specializes in high-quality Early Childhood Education. LCC continues to receive the state’s highest awards for quality serving families and children ages 30 months to five years. LCC has grown into one of the highestrated early childhood education programs in Michigan and is one of only a handful of communitybased programs in the state. The program is widely recognized for its child initiated, center-based education and care for preschoolers.
LCC gives special thanks to the event host, the Simpson Family Estate and sponsors: Easling Construction, The Leland Country Club and Biggs Construction.
