2004 Lincoln Cares Brochure (707K) • LES Bill (23K)

Date:

December 30, 2002

For More Information Contact:

Diane Gonzolas, Citizen Information Center, 441-7831
Lynn Johnson, Parks and Recreation Dept., 441-8265u
Susan Larson Rodenburg, "Lincoln Cares," 421-1401

Lincoln Mayor Don Wesely today kicked-off "Lincoln Cares," a voluntary donation program to raise private funds for City Parks and Recreation projects.

Beginning February 1, 2003, Lincoln Electric System (LES) customers will be able to voluntarily add one dollar each month to their bills to be donated to the City improvement program. TierOne Bank and World’s Foremost Bank (Cabela’s VISA operation) have each agreed to provide a 50-cent match for each dollar donated by customers up to $30,000 each.

"Not all of the projects or programs the community wants can be funded by the City budget," said Mayor Wesely. "This is an opportunity for citizens to support special community projects and programs that will touch the lives of a large number of our citizens. ‘Lincoln Cares’ is another great example of the public-private partnerships that are helping our City move forward. I want to thank LES , TierOne Bank and World’s Foremost Bank for working with us on this program."

"This is a very exciting project for community," said Lynn Johnson, City Parks and Recreation Director. "If each of the 100,000 LES customers adds one dollar sometime during the year, ‘Lincoln Cares’ would receive $160,000. That would go a long way toward funding important community projects like the renovation of the Sunken Gardens."

A seven-member group representing the public and private sectors recommends projects to benefit from "Lincoln Cares." The group has recommended five programs and projects for 2003:

• Restoration of the Sunken Gardens at 27th and Capitol Parkway will provide a facelift to the nearly 70-year-old garden, making it accessible to everyone and maintaining its beauty for future generations.

• Renovation of the Four Wars Memorial in Antelope Park will restore the historic sculpture, which has been damaged by 70 years of exposure to extreme weather.

• Providing air conditioning for the Ager Indoor Playground in Antelope Park is expected to boost usage and participation in recreation programs during the summer.

• Scholarships will give young people from low-income families an opportunity to participate in Parks and Recreation programs.

• Providing air conditioning at the enclosed Bethany Park shelter will enhance participation at the summer day camp and other community activities at the shelter.

"We want to stress that this tax-deductible contribution is completely voluntary," said Susan Larson Rodenburg, "Lincoln Cares" Project Manager and member of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. "We do hope many citizens will take the extra step to help our community."

LES customers can only donate one dollar each month through the program. Those wishing to donate more can send checks to the Lincoln Parks and Recreation Foundation, 2740 "A" Street, Box 201, Lincoln, NE 68502. Donations are tax deductible.

For more information on "Lincoln Cares," contact the Lincoln Parks and Recreation Department at 441-8264.