The story “Gaining ground on a cure” from the October 2014 issue of LM hits on how three landscaping companies raise funds for cancer research. Here’s how one of those companies, Lyon Landscape Architects, expands its “social consciousness” beyond cancer research, also channeling it into the organization 100 Men Who Care.
Marty Lyon localizes Lyon Landscape Architects’ social outreach via 100 Men Who Care, a fundraising organization serving the Wood River Valley region of Idaho.
The co-owner of the architectural firm, working out of Hailey, Idaho, founded 100 Men Who Care in January 2012 as somewhat of a spin-off from the group 100 Women Who Care. Its impetus is to rally 100 men together for a quarterly one-hour meeting, at the remainder of which each attendee writes a $100 check to the same local nonprofit chosen by popular vote.
“We make it quick and painless,” Lyon said. “The concept is you meet once a quarter and you commit $100 per meeting.”
In total, the group has given more than $18,000 back to the community—it still strives to have 100 men attend a meeting.
Lyon writes his check on behalf of Lyon Landscape Architects.
With 120 nonprofits in Wood River Valley, Lyon said the young group hasn’t donated directly to a cancer research organization yet, but it’s donated to corresponding ones such as a hospice center.
“Every nonprofit nominated is so darn deserving,” he said. “Contributing to the community in some way or another is important.”
