John and Lara Plaisance recently worked with the Waukee Parks & Recreation Department as well as several donors to contribute equipment at Ridge Pointe Park in memory of their son, Drew. The Plaisances made it possible for two sets of swings, two spinners and two benches to be purchased and installed at Waukee's Ridge Pointe Park. There is also a memorial rock with a plaque honoring their late son, Andrew "Drew" Plaisance, who was stillborn in April.
The new additions at Ridge Pointe were dedicated in an event on September 25 with nearly 250 people in attendance. Waukee City Council Members Rick Peterson and Anna Bergman, as well as Waukee Parks & Recreation Director Matt Jermier, joined the Plaisances and their two sons Ben and Theo for a ribbon cutting ceremony during the event.
The City of Waukee is very grateful for the touching way the family has chosen to honor the memory of their youngest son. The Plaisances also just launched a new non-profit to further their efforts within the community. Drew's Crew for Kids aims to facilitate access to enrichment activities for local youth in need. The vision of the organization is to bridge the activity gap - the gap between the youth from different socioeconomic backgrounds that prevents all kids from having access to the same activities. Drew's Crew believes that a parent’s inability to pay for baseball equipment or dance shoes or a clarinet, etc. should not prevent any child from discovering their passion, living up to their full potential or just being a kid.
You can learn more about Drew’s Crew for Kids, help support the effort and/or nominate a child in need at the Drew's Crew website.