CFT Matches Unique Family Fundraiser with Inner-city School
A model of the American Airlines Center, made exclusively from toy bricks, is one of the many featured landmarks you’ll see at Dallas CityScape.
I HAVE A FUNDRAISER. IT NEEDS A CAUSE,” CFT fund holders Laurie and David Matthews said to donor services manager Kelly Donohue. Upon Laurie and David’s request, Kelly identified the top five local nonprofits working in early childhood education: the Matthews’ personal passion area.
“From our family’s experience in Montessori, we know that the early toddler years through preschool is a critical time for brain development,” said David. When he saw East Dallas Community Schools on CFT’s list, he knew they were the right beneficiary for his unique fundraising idea.
The fundraiser, Dallas CityScape, exhibits a replica of the Dallas skyline including landmark downtown buildings made of more than 1 million toy bricks. The fundraiser, now in its third year, has raised more than $100,000 for East Dallas Community Schools, a nonprofit that operates early childhood education centers for inner-city children.
Last year’s event at the Museum of Nature & Science drew 44,000 visitors. Beside the skyline, children can build with Legos in their own Kids Construction Zone. An enhancement for 2012 will be Hot Wheels cars racing around the exhibit through tubes. Laurie Matthews reiterated, “95% of EDCS graduates earn their diplomas—twice the neighborhood average. EDCS is a great example of someone doing it right. We wanted to help support that.” This year’s exhibit is planned for the summer at the Galleria.
For sponsorships, contact Lynn Hatcher at 214.871.8038 or dallascityscape@gmail.com.