The Renaissance Grand Beach Resort is sponsoring a car wash in the Tutu Park Mall parking lot from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 20, to raise funds to benefit two organizations providing special care for children. The costs are $7 for a basic wash and $10 for wash and vacuum.
The money raised will be donated to the Nana-Baby Children's Home in Anna's Retreat, a not-for-profit emergency foster care facility for newborns through 12-year-olds, and the pediatric ward at the Roy L. Schneider Hospital.
"The baby home is really our No. 1 project," Monique Walters, wedding coordinator at the hotel and one of the event organizers, said.
Nana-Baby manager Louise Larchevaux-Ali said the not-for-profit facility has a contract with the Human Services Department, which places children in the home, but relies heavily on fund-raising in the community. The homes serves "abundant, abused, neglected or displaced children," she said, "and we do respite for other foster parents" who may need to take a break from their child-care responsibilities from time to time.
The washers will consist of about 30 Renaissance associates and managers who are volunteering their time. Joining them in the project are Western Auto, which will provide washing materials; Dadlie's Water Trucking Service, which will supply the water; and Bellows International, which will provide drinks for the washers. Knight Quality Stations is donating radio spots advertising the event and Kmart is donating part of its parking area.
This is the first year the hotel has sponsored such a car wash, Walters said, and hopes are high for getting some sorely needed funds.