The Lovelanders, Inc.

A parent/friend support group for the Loveland Center
 

History - In the 1970’s a small group of parents became motivated to help the Loveland Center serve the needs of their children. They organized ham dinners, card parties, garage sales, and other events to raise money.

Recognizing the need to involve more parents and others in the community in this project, they organized as The Lovelanders on August 11, 1983 with eight persons present. The first meeting on August 16 laid the ground work of the new organization, with the sole purpose of raising money for the student needs of The Loveland Center. The first chairperson was Bernice Wilson, and in May 1984 the first slate of officers were elected with Peter Ciro as president. Scheduled fundraisers started immediately, and by the first of the year the treasury held over $2000 and membership was 47.

In 1995, The Lovelanders, Inc. became a not-for-profit corporation. Its mission is to promote, develop and encourage a mutual interest between Loveland Center, Inc. and all interested parties.  This is accomplished in three ways:

A) Fundraising
Over the years, The Lovelanders, Inc. has raised a significant amount of money for the Loveland Center, Inc. through its own fundraisers and by supporting the fundraising activities of the Loveland Center itself. We ask your continued support for our fundraising by participating in the events advertised in this publication.

B) Social events
The Lovelanders, Inc. arranges regular social events (parties, picnics etc.) for the students of The Loveland Center. This allows the students to interact with their friends in a relaxed, fun environment. These events are coordinated by parents and any help would be welcome.

C) Volunteering
Our members make themselves available to assist The Loveland Center whenever we are needed. This may include help with brochure mailings, lunchroom supervision, and other non-teaching tasks.

The needs of Loveland Center are more complex today - new programs are being introduced, and enrollment has increased from 42 in 1986 to over 100 at present.  The new Loveland Center campus has been built with the help of the entire Venice community, and a new facility for Phase II clients has been built debt-free and is now operational. Our past efforts have been successful and we will continue to contribute. We need new working members to broaden our commitment to the students and to help make their dreams for the future come true.

We welcome all interested parties to join us. We also would like to thank all current members for their continued support and enthusiasm.   Family dues are $10.00.  Members are encouraged to ask their family members and friends to join the Lovelanders as well. Our fiscal year starts January 1st.

To find out more about the Lovelanders' officers, fundraisers, meeting schedule, and social calendar, download the Lovelander brochure.