Cassandra Wagner, philanthropy director for Giraffe Laugh, was the featured speaker at our Oct. 3 lunch meeting. Idaho is one of only four states that do not offer funded public preschool. In response, this nonprofit provides early education and nurturing to young children by ensuring school readiness, empowering families and building strong future. She shared not only about the organization's participation in Preschool the Idaho Way but also about its new facility opening in Garden City next year. Giraffe Laugh is always seeking volunteers, donated items contributions. You can help!Giraffe Laugh, founded 30 years ago, is the leading partner in the Preschool the Idaho Way collaborative, which also includes the Boys & Girls Club, Family Advocates, Garden City Public Library, Future Public School and Learning Lab. This collaborative seeks to open the Garden City program in the Boys & Girls Club by September 2020, expanding access to high-quality early learning opportunities in this community where only about 260 spaces are available in child care and preschool centers to accommodate the city’s 630 children under age 5.
In addition to providing facts and figures on the need for early childhood education throughout Idaho, Cassandra explained the financial outlook for the Garden City program. The expected cost is $180,000 for the first year (including higher initial setup costs), with half coming from matching funds. They still have $71,000 pending in outstanding requests but lack about $19,000 to satisfy the budget.To help Giraffe Laugh and this program, you can do any or all of the following:
- Attend one of its fundraising events!
- Volunteer in a variety of roles!
- Take a tour and learn more!
- Buy something from the wish list to donate!
- Give, give, give!