We’re happy to pass along information on two local causes that support community education.

Metropolitan owner Jim Lily and PIC executive director Debbie Green (photo courtesy PIC).

The Parent Infant Center (PIC) at 42nd and Locust recently received a generous and heartfelt gift from a local business. Metropolitan Bakery & Café’s owner Jim Lily sent a touching letter to PIC’s Executive Director Debbie Green and presented a $600 donation for PIC’s Cindy Fund. In his letter, Lily wrote about his close relationship with PIC (his daughter participated in the after-school program there) and about his friendship with former executive director Cindy Roberts who passed away in February. Roberts and Lily were also neighbors; they lived across the street from each other.

University City’s Metropolitan celebrated its 12th anniversary on April 26, and a portion of sales on that day made up this donation. Read more about this wonderful gesture on the PIC website.

The Cindy Fund was established in memory of Roberts, who was passionate about children and families and believed in equal access to quality preschool for all families, regardless of income. To learn more about the Cindy Fund, go here. 

On Sunday, June 5, community members are invited to socialize and support another great local cause, Gary Bronson Memorial College Scholarship Fund. This scholarship provides local young adults pursuing higher education with both mentorship and financial support to help them be successful in their post-secondary endeavors. The annual fundraising event for the scholarship will take place from 4 – 6 p.m. at St. Francis De Sales Parish School Auditorium (917 S. 47th St.) and will have live music, food, and drink. Tickets start at $40 per person and children under 12 years of age can attend for free.

2015 Gary Bronson Memorial College Scholarship recipients (Photo courtesy Cedar Park Neighbors).