$35,000 Granted to Cary Nonprofits

Cary, NC — On Tuesday, February 10, 2015, at The Cary Theater, over $35,000 in grants were awarded to 29 local nonprofits as part of the annual Lazy Daze grants reception.

Lazy Daze Grants Awarded to 29 Nonprofits

Tuesday night was bitter and cold, but hearts were warmed as funds were presented to deserving nonprofits at the annual Lazy Daze grants reception and presentation.

The Lazy Daze grants reception is a long-standing tradition here in Cary–since its inception, over half of a million dollars have been rewarded to various 501(c)(3) organizations in the area. But that didn’t make this year’s reception any less special.

Those present at the event watched Mayor Weinbrecht give out $35,000 to 29 local nonprofits in the The Cary Theater, the town’s newest venue.

The grants reception has been a fundamental part of Lazy Daze since its beginning. Lazy Daze, a cultural arts festival, is the Town of Cary’s signature event–the largest event of the year. Last year’s festival saw over 55,000 attendees, and 15 different states were represented by the various artists and vendors.

Lazy Daze Committee and Staff

A dedicated committee made up of Cary citizens and town staff work very hard all year to make Lazy Daze and its sister event, Spring Daze, possible. Mayor Weinbrecht, along with Cary Cultural Arts Manager Lyman Collins, thanked the Lazy Daze committee members along with the departments of Parks & Recreation and Cultural Resources, the public works department, and the police and fire departments for all their hard work.

Councilmen Jack Smith and Don Frantz were asked to join the group onstage and, together, with Mayor Weinbrecht and Collins, the grants were handed out to representatives from each non-profit, one by one.

Congratulations to the 2014 Lazy Daze Grant Recipients

Grants were rewarded to the following non-profits–all worth checking out if you haven’t heard of them. We’ve listed what each organization plans to use the grant for as they serve our community in unique ways.

American Turkish Association of NC will partner with Sister Cities of Cary (see below) to bring an international program focusing on children and arts to the community.

Carolina Youth Ballet provides public performances for talented middle and secondary school level dancers.

Cary Ballet Company will use the grant to fund their company’s annual celebration of children in the arts.

Cary Community Choir will use the grant to present their 44th annual presentation of the Messiah–which is one of the longest standing events in Cary.

Cary Creative Center, Inc. is moving back to Cary and will use the grant to fund operating costs for their new location.

Cary Family YMCA will use the grant to support Camp High Hopes, a summer day camp free to children in selected communities

Cary Players, Inc. will use the grant to help fund their upcoming performance, The Best of Love: Bits and Bites.

Cary Playwrights’ Forum will use the grant to produce more and better quality productions and workshops to their members.

Cary Town Band will use the grant to fund seven concerts this year at the Cary Arts Center, the senior center, and more.

Cary Visual Art, Inc. will use the grant to fund their public art in focus outreach workshops, which bring artists and activities to under-served populations.

The Concert Singers of Cary will use the grant for general operating expenses to support the adult and youth choirs and enable the continuing education of professional singers.

Cornerstone Ministries Group, Inc. will use the grant to pay for teachers and instruments to teach piano and guitar to underprivileged students.

CORRAL Riding Academy will use their funding for a youth art exhibit to help their students learn more about horses through art.

Diamante, Inc. will use the funding to continue offering unique cultural programs in Cary.

Fine Arts League of Cary will use the grant to fund guest speakers to attend their monthly meetings.

Friends of the Page-Walker Hotel will use the grant to restore a portrait of Marcus Dry, a longtime principal at Cary High and the man for whom Dry Ave is named.

General Assembly Chorus will use the grant to replace risers that have been used every week for 40 years!

Hum Sub, Inc., which produces fun Indian cultural events in Cary, will use the grant to fund their upcoming spring festival.

Kids Together, Inc., a handicap-accessible park, will use the grant to fund the design and installation of a new misting garden in the playground.

Life Experiences, Inc. will use the grant to enable their employees, adults with developmental disabilities, to see a live play in the area.

Lucy Daniels Center will use the grant money to support their music program, where teachers teach students to express themselves through music.

Nepal Center of NC, Inc. will use the grant to fund their April Nepal New Year’s celebration.

NC Eid Festival, Inc. will use the funding for operating expenses associated with the Eid Festival in September, an American holiday event.

Philharmonic Association will use the grant for orchestra space and sheet music for members.

Sister Cities Association of Cary (SCAC) will use the grant to cover funding for their upcoming events, including advertising and cost performances.

The Carrying Place, Inc. provides housing for homeless, working families. The grant will fund materials for children’s activities and staff training.

Triangle British Brass Band, Ltd. will use the grant for their performances around town.

Triangle Wind Ensemble will use the grant to fund the renting of rehearsal space.

West Regional Library will use the grant for their story writing contest.

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Photo by Jessica Patrick