Niagara local, Mark Basciano, President and Owner of Mountainview Building Group, is the recipient of the 2024 Niagara Impact Community Leader Award announced by the Niagara Region. This award was presented at the 2024 State of the Region that took place on March 27 at John Michael’s Banquet and Event Centre in Thorold.
The Niagara Impact Awards recognize community members who have made a positive impact on life in Niagara. Individuals, businesses and non-profit organizations are nominated for going above and beyond for making life better for those living in Niagara.
Mark was nominated for this award by Family and Children’s Services Niagara (FACS Niagara) for Mark’s dedication, philanthropy, and generosity to its largest fundraiser to date – Mountainview LemonAID Day. Back in 2022, Mark enthusiastically embraced the idea of a lemonade stand fundraiser, conceived by two local children aspiring to send children served by FACS Niagara to summer camp.
Mark swiftly agreed to be the Title Sponsor for this event, covering the expenses to ensure every dollar raised directly benefited sending kids to camp and promoting barrier-free participation.
“Mountainview LemonAID day came from a small idea a few years ago, and it is now FACS Niagara’s largest fundraiser to date,” says Brett Sweeney. “We owe a significant portion of its success to Mark Basciano and Mountainview Building Group for their dedication and support over the past three years. Thanks to Mark’s vision, we are able to continue to improve the lives of vulnerable kids in Niagara.”
Mountainview LemonAID day is a community-based event where local families and businesses register to host a lemonade stand in which all proceeds go towards sending children served by FACS to weeklong day camps as well as overnight camps outside the region. This event ensures that local children, who may not otherwise have the opportunity, are able to experience summer camp. Camp is an important chance for kids to be physically active, socialize, develop friendships and most importantly, have fun. This fundraiser makes these summer camp programs possible.
“I recognized the impact that ‘kids helping kids’ would have on the community and I immediately knew this was something I wanted to be a part of,” says Mark Basciano, President and Owner of Mountainview Building Group. “I am honoured to be the recipient of this year’s Community Leader Award and I hope to use this recognition to inspire others to get involved with Mountainview LemonAID Day in support of FACS Niagara.”
Over the past two years, Mountainview LemonAID Day has funded more than 800 camp experiences, including day camps and out-of-region overnight camps, offering social, emotional, and physical benefits for children facing adversities.
Mountainview LemonAID Day will return for another year on June 8, 2024, with registration opening to the general public on April 22, 2024.
For more information:
Brenna McCutcheon
Communications Specialist
FACS Niagara
905-937-7731
brenna.mccutcheon@facsniagara.on.ca
