Candy and Coin Boxes were the brilliant idea of members of the Louisville, Kentucky,Civitan Club.
They thought of collecting contributions for candy and using the proceeds to help retarded children (a non-pejorative term that was in common use at that time).Recognizing the effectiveness and potential of the effort, Civitan International adopted the projectin 1976 and expanded it throughout North America.
At first, funds were used for the construction of Cedar Lake Lodge in LaGrange,Kentucky, now a 76-bed IC/MR campus and rehabilitation agency. The Civitan International Foundation contributed more than $1.1 million to the facility.
That was just the first of many worthwhile projects to receive Candy Box funds. Over the years, clubs collected more than $50 million from their Candy Boxes, which enabled the Foundation to provide needed funding for a host of service projects that specifically aided people with disabilities.
The clubs kept more than $12
In 1988, directors of the Civitan International Foundation decided the time had come for our organization to concentrate its charitable efforts into one major project that would have a significant impact on the prevention of intellectual and developmental disabilities, while making life brighter for those already born with impairments to overcome.
Approved by a vote of the entire membership,the Foundation made a commitment of up to one million dollars per year, $20 million total, to create such a facility.
After opening in 1990, the Center soon won grants for specific research programs from a wide variety of government and non-profit organizations.
Enthusiastic acceptance by the scientific and academic worlds quickly expanded the role of the Center; it now has more than 200 scientists, clinicians, students, interns, residents, fellows, and staff from all across the United States and throughout the world, representing more than 25 specialtyareas. Its annual operating budget has grown to over $16 million.
Look for the Civitan Candy Box throughout our community!
