Ferrari Sports Cars & Motivated Volunteers, A Formula For Success!
KANSAS CITY, Mo., May 27, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Celebrating 60 years, the Bacchus Foundation tripled their financial commitment to two local children's charities after hosting the most successful event in the history of the organization.
The Bacchus Foundation, founded in 1955, is Kansas City's oldest philanthropic, young professionals group that plans and promotes events, such as their annual Ball and Halloween party to raise money for various causes. Historically the Foundation has granted $25,000 per year, but over the past three years the Foundation has had record breaking grants. The 60th year continued the streak with Boardwalk Ferrari as the presenting sponsor of the 2015 Ball. The glitzy, black tie event sold out weeks in advance with trips to Monaco and other exotic locations up for auction. It was not only the ultimate see and be seen party but it was the most successful fundraising event ever for Bacchus.
"Walking along the red carpet entrance lined with Ferraris while being handed a glass of champagne was sensory overload. It was unlike any event in Kansas City I've ever attended!" proclaimed party attendee, Brett Kuempel.
"We wanted to make a big impact in our 60th year by selecting two deserving grantees and guaranteeing both of them significant funds," said Tom Houlehan, outgoing Chairman & President of Bacchus. "After thousands of volunteer hours and amazing support from our sponsors, we were not only able to meet both of our grants but we tripled each grant!"
The organizations receiving Bacchus funds for 2015 were Phoenix Family and The Love Fund For Children.
"The Bacchus Grant will be used to provide two new reading and literacy labs to low-income children where they will receive one-on-one reading tutoring and mentoring," said Kimber Myers-Givner, Executive Director of Phoenix Family. "We sincerely thank the Bacchus Foundation for their dedication and commitment to making a difference in our community."
Love Fund will be using the grant for specialty iPads with assistive technology for children with autism and communicative disorders so that they will be able to communicate with friends and loved ones. "We are so grateful to the Bacchus Foundation! They set a remarkable goal and achieved it in grand fashion!" said Lisa Herron, Executive Director for Love Fund For Children.
Beginning its 61st year, Bacchus will be under new management with recently elected Chairman Casey Cohorst and President Marc Saighman taking over from outgoing Chairman & President Tom Houlehan. "What Tom has done with Bacchus over the past three years is truly remarkable! Under his leadership Bacchus underwent a brand-imaging overhaul, important partnerships were forged and fundraising skyrocketed. He is leaving Bacchus in a much better place than when he began," says President Marc Saighman.
"Marc & Casey have both been outstanding to work with and have grown in their roles as leaders of the organization. They are surrounded by a great team of Board Members and I am truly excited to see them take Bacchus to the next level!" says Houlehan.
Houlehan was also recently awarded for his philanthropic efforts by Non-Profit Connect along with a select group of leaders including Annette Bloch of the R.A Bloch Cancer Foundation, and the Byron Thompson Family of Country Club Bank.
"This has been one of the most fun and energizing partnerships I've been a part of. It was inspiring to see this group of caring, compassionate and creative young professionals working tirelessly to help those less fortunate," says Herron.
View Bacchus' end of year video with highlights from the Ball: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upk8LNuNy9g
For more information visit: www.BacchusKC.org, Facebook, or Twitter.
Related Links
Ball
Bacchus Site
Video - http://youtu.be/upk8LNuNy9g
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150523/218230
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150523/218231
SOURCE The Bacchus Foundation
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