‘Flocks’ raise funds, developmental disability awareness

Kelly Bates clocked 65 miles on her odometer last Thursday, driving plastic flamingoes around town.

Bates, a volunteer for the Munroe-Meyer Institute, is in charge of this year’s “Flamingo Flocking Fundraiser for Disabilities Awareness,” which began last week. The campaign, which is taking place within the Omaha area, is designed to raise funds for MMI and awareness of developmental disabilities during Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in March.

Here’s how it works. For a small donation, Bates and fellow volunteer Susan Gass will place a group of pink flamingos on selected front lawns. The flamingos will remain for two to four days, until they migrate to another location. People who are recipients of the flamingoes have the option not to donate, to make a donation to have the flock removed, or to make a donation to relocate the flock to another specific address.

“It’s all done in good spirits and to support advocacy for developmental disabilities,” Bates said. “The flocks have been sent to family, friends, neighbors and colleagues. It’s good fun and kind of a nice surprise.”

With a roster of four flocks (two with 12 birds, two with 13), Bates maps out her route each “flocking day” to minimize drive time. Nevertheless, she’s been on the road as long as four hours at a time while placing the flocks about the city.

“I have a map of Omaha, so I map out what flock is going where,” she said. “And as a retiree from a telecommunications position with CenturyLink, I’m very familiar with the city.”

Although the flocking is fun and lighthearted, Bates said the message of developmental disability awareness is serious.

“We need to have awareness of disabilities in all ranges, from mild to severe,” she said. “People need to know how to treat people with developmental disabilities, and be able to ensure that their language and actions are appropriate.”

Micah Evans, an officer of the Scottish Rite of Nebraska, longtime supporters of MMI, was surprised by the “flocking” at his house on March 1.

“I loved the idea and the awareness,” Evans said. “In fact, my neighbors asked about it, and I told them about all that Munroe-Meyer Institute does for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. One neighbor then dropped off a check for MMI to support the flocking.”

And although he hated to see his “flock” leave, Evans sent the flamingoes on their way a few days later with a donation of his own.