[Archived] City Invites Residents to “Spring for Alexandria”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 23, 2009     

City Invites Residents to “Spring for Alexandria”
Three-Day Celebration of Giving and Service 

Spring is finally in the air, and with it comes the opportunity to “spring” into action to make a difference for others in Alexandria. The community is invited to participate in Spring for Alexandria, a three-day celebration of giving and service throughout the City. Spring for Alexandria offers multiple opportunities for residents to become involved, including the Generations of Giving Gala on April 30; the Business Philanthropy Summit, Day of Service and Celebration on Market Square on May 1; and Lemonaide Day on May 2. Spring for Alexandria is jointly hosted by the Alexandria Community Trust, the City of Alexandria, Kids Helping Kids and Volunteer Alexandria. Spring for Alexandria 2009 is sponsored by CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield as well as Geico and SunTrust.

Spring for Alexandria kicks off with the Generations of Giving Gala on Thursday, April 30, from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Birchmere, 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave. The Gala honors personal and family philanthropy in Alexandria. The event culminates in the presentation of the Legacy of Giving award to the Lindsay family and the Legacy of Service award to Senator John Warner. All proceeds from the event benefit the Alexandria Community Trust.

On Friday, May 1, the Business Philanthropy Summit is held to recognize and honor corporate philanthropy in Alexandria. The breakfast event will be hosted at the First Baptist Church of Alexandria, 2932 King St., from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. At the Summit, the 2009 Business Philanthropist and Nonprofit Leader Awards will be presented.

Following the Summit, the community is invited to sign up for the Day of Service to volunteer at project sites throughout the City. Volunteer help is needed from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to complete a variety of tasks, including landscaping, gardening, litter pickup, and painting. Businesses can also choose to offer pro bono services to local nonprofit groups. Volunteers can sign up individually, or recruit a team. Team leaders are also needed at project sites and must attend a mandatory training session. Registration and further information is now available at www.springforalexandria.org. 

Spring for Alexandria is not only a day of service, but also is a fundraising event for Volunteer Alexandria. Registered participants are encouraged to raise pledges to support the event. The top pledge raisers are eligible to win great prizes! At the conclusion of the Day of Service, a community-wide celebration will be held to thank volunteers at Market Square (301 King St.) from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The three-day celebration concludes with Lemonaide Day on Saturday, May 2. Alexandria youth will be selling lemonade at stands stationed throughout the City to raise money for Coats for Kids and the Alexandrians Involved Ecumenically (ALIVE!) children’s program. The community is encouraged to support the cause by getting out and purchasing lemonade at a stand in their neighborhood.

Last year, the first Spring for Alexandria event brought together nearly 2,000 community members, representing businesses, nonprofit organizations, the Alexandria City Public Schools, and the Alexandria City government, and raised more than $100,000 for Alexandria charities.

For more information, please call 703.836.2176 or visit www.springforalexandria.org.