Dake Foundation for Children Hosts Record-Breaking Event; Announces Program Expansion
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – The Dake Foundation for Children held their annual Child’s Play fundraiser on May 31st, raising over $180,000 to support local children with disabilities. Founded by Gary Dake, President of Stewart’s Shops, the Foundation has provided grants to local children with disabilities since 2009 with a focus on inclusion, independence, and fun.
Executive Director Sarah Burns announced to the crowd of over 400 that the foundation had plans to increase their impact. Burns shared that in addition to the individual grants they have provided for the past 14 years, the Dake Foundation will now offer assistance to local 501c3 nonprofit organizations seeking to make their spaces or programming more accessible and inclusive.
“We’ve heard from our peers in the nonprofit sector that this need has existed for some time, and we’re grateful to be able to offer assistance,” said Burns of the program expansion. “To have this enormous response to our event and to have the support of our community means the world to us, and we are excited to make amazing things happen for the kids we serve.”
The Foundation shared that the first recipient of their Community Grant program will be the Saratoga Springs Children’s Museum, providing them with up to $25,000 towards building an inclusive playground. The museum’s Executive Director Sarah Smith, said of the award, “The Children’s Museum is thrilled to be the recipient of this inaugural grant. We are so pleased to partner with the Dake Foundation for Children to help create an inclusive experience for the children of our community.” When it is completed, the project will impact the museum’s 75,000 annual visitors.
To apply, donate, or to learn more about the Dake Foundation for Children, please visit their website at http://www.dakefoundation.org.
The Dake Foundation for Children was established in 2009 as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization to help children with disabilities access opportunities unavailable through medical insurance and family budgets. Their goal is to provide children with disabilities access to equipment and services that will give them more opportunities for participation within their families, communities, and with their peers.
