March 4, 2011
David L Corliss
City Manager
6 East 6th
Lawrence KS 66044
Dear Mr. Corliss,
On behalf of the entire staff of the Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center, I want to thank you for your support of our inaugural Bert
Nash Dash & Bash in 2010. The event was an overwhelming success and we’re excitedly
planning the 2011 event for Saturday, October 29th.
The event in 2010 generated over $90,000 in support of our
community. More than $70,000 in cash proceeds came from the race registrations,
beverage sales, kid’s zone, tip jars, sponsorships, & individual
contributions. When you add in the more than $20,000 of in-kind contributions we
received, we were thrilled to exceed our goal to raise $60,000 in honor of the
60th anniversary of the Bert Nash Center. We also take in account the countless
volunteer hours given by hundreds of individuals in our community. After all
the expenses for both the Dash & the Bash, we netted more than $36,000 that
goes directly toward the programs and services our clients depend on. This was
a 1,600% increase over proceeds of the 2008 Nash Dash and we attribute this
incredible increase to the change in location and scope of the event. We also
feel that this result laid the groundwork for generating even more support in
the years to come.
As I’m sure you are aware, the Bert Nash Center has faced considerable cuts in state funding in recent years and the Governor has
proposed cutting an additional $15.2 million in funding to community mental health
centers across the state. Historically, state funding has provided financial
support that is needed to make our sliding fee scale and other services
available to our clients that often need it the most. Our primary concern right
now is whether or not we can continue to provide some of the services and
programs that are vital to the health of our community in light of continued
budget cuts. Thus, the importance of having successful fundraising events like
the Nash Dash & Bash is fundamental now more than ever.
The Bert Nash Center would like to request permission to
close Massachusetts Street from 6th street to 7th street
from noon-midnight on Saturday, October 8, 2011 as well as ask for the approval
of the possession and consumption of alcohol on the public right-of-way to
replicate last year’s event. The event will consist of a 5K & 10K race as
well as live music and children’s activities. The committee is in the planning
stage of this event and will submit all appropriate routes for review and
approval at a later date.
Money raised from this event will benefit Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center. The event will be open to the public (no admission
charge) and donations will be collected as part of various activities and
food/beverage sales.
We are committed to this being a successful occasion in 2011
– not only for the Center and the health of our community, but also a positive
and beneficial event for Downtown Lawrence and the entire Lawrence community.
Respectfully,
Cindy Hart
Development Director
Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center
chart@bertnash.org