Annual Appreciation Dinner

Our annual gala takes place in the first quarter of the year, generally in late March or early April.  This formal event serves as our way of saying thank you to those who have helped LARC.  We invite civic organizations and offer them the opportunity to make a public contribution to LARC.   The Ted Sailor Humanitarian Award is presented at this function as well.  The recipient of this award is determined by the Board of Directors and is given to an individual or organization that has unselfishly given of themselves for the benefit of LARC and those we serve.

The Appreciation Dinner features a live and silent auction, featuring services and products from various businesses as well as hand crafted items that have been donated, with a program acknowledging the many supporters of LARC.  It is coupled with an Ad Book for which individuals and business within our database are solicited to place an ad representing their support of the agency.  Staff, parents, and Board Members work to secure ads for this publication, which is distributed, to all participants.  Also offered at this event is a raffle for a one week stay at a Condo in Florida which has been generously offer by the owners and supporters of LARC.  In the months leading up to this event, many hours are offered by volunteers and staff as they work together to insure the event is organized and runs smoothly. 

Steps for Support Walk-a-thon

During the second quarter of the year, generally May, we host a walk-a-thon paired with a dinner following.  This event allows for individuals to support the agency and enjoy a nice day out in the sun without investing a great deal of money.  Walkers are asked to solicit sponsors to support their efforts.  Walkers a given a commemorative t-shirt to mark the day.  A picnic lunch awaits walkers (or welcomes non-walkers) here on LARC grounds.  This lunch has been provided by Popolano’s restaurant that has now committed to partnering with LARC each spring for the event. 

LARC Annual Golf Outing

Our third quarter event held the first Monday in August is our golf outing.  Initiated in 1995, this event host over 100 participants.  Coming together at a local club, our golfers enjoy lunch followed by 18 holes of golf with refreshments and prize holes on the course and finish the day with cocktails and dinner.  Volunteers help to greet our participants and offer door prizes, registration gifts, and raffle prizes.  Each golfer is offered the opportunity to enter a longest putt contest and the opportunity to win $5000.00 each for them and for LARC.    The golf committee comprised of board members, staff, and volunteers plan this event.  Volunteers are also on hand to assist the development staff in helping to insure the day runs smoothly. 

Annual Fall Fundraiser

For the final quarter of the year, we host a fish fry each October.  One of our best-attended events, guest find the workshop transformed into the largest dinning room around.  A theme, decided by the planning committee, is carried out throughout the facility and the entertainment.  Requiring over 75 staff and volunteers to welcome up to 800 guests, we offer fish or shrimp dinners expertly prepared by Glenwood Oaks Restaurant. Also offered is a hot dog alternative for those who do not enjoy seafood.  Parents and staff prepare homemade desserts to finish off the meal.  LARC’s beer garden offers beer, wine and soft drinks along with free popcorn.   As you remain to enjoy the festivities you can munch on nachos and cheese or sip on a cold root beer float.   A cash raffle is offered as well as the opportunity to purchase LARC wear.  Staff and Board members are asked to sell dinner and raffle tickets for this event. 

Holiday Fund

LARC’s Holiday Fund Campaign is a small and direct campaign targeted during the month of December to current donors.  Included in the last newsletter of the year recipients are asked to remember LARC through contribution during the holiday season. 

SCRIP Program

Initiated in the spring of 2007, the SCRIP program is intended to be a steady source of revenue, which does not ask our supporters to spend money they would otherwise not spend.  Individuals are able to purchase gift cards for a variety of businesses through the agency and in return, LARC receives a percentage of the purchase price from the merchant.  Gift cards include a variety of restaurants, merchants, gasoline stations, and hotels.  It has been set up so than individuals can order the first and third Friday of each month and the cards are returned the following Thursday.

Market Day

Each month LARC host Market Day.  Orders a due on the last Friday of each month and on the first Tuesday of the following month, orders are here at the facility ready for pick-up.  Each month a group of parents come in as volunteers to help sort and distribute the orders.  LARC receives 10% of all sales.