It's a sweet day when a drug-testing lab has good news. It's a great day if they have this news: Burlington Laboratories Inc. recently made a $50,000 challenge grant to commemorate Lund Family Center's 120 years of strengthening families by helping children survive. The pledge offers Lund the opportunity to leverage sponsorships and gifts through June 30.

 

Burlington Laboratories, Inc. is a full-service drug-testing lab founded by drug and alcohol treatment professionals, who know that quick and reliable drug testing improves the level of treatment a patient can receive. With headquarters in Burlington, the company tests for most every drug of abuse, including illegal street drugs and prescribed medications, in an effort to help patients in recovery programs, as well as professionals in the medical, treatment and criminal justice communities.

 

As part of the lab's engagement with the community, it donates at least 10 percent of profits to local organizations.

 

"Whether the community is going through tough financial times or not, it is very important for us to always give back to the community. It is part of our commitment and part of our mission, which does not fluctuate with the economy," said Michael and Jodi Casarico, co-founders of Burlington Labs. "The need for help is always present and tends to be even greater at a time when the community has less, and programs are being cut. But that just makes giving that much more rewarding for us. To be in a position to give back when times are tough reinforces that what we are doing is significant in our community, but more importantly, to us personally."

 

Lund is commemorating its 120 anniversary with a series of events, including a State House reception; a Mother's Day Bike Ride on May 9 in Burlington; a Mad Hatter's Tea and Bubbly on June 13 in South Burlington; receptions across the state; and an Evening on Grosse Pointe in Ferrisburgh on Sept. 11.

 

By Myra Mathis Flynn