Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – It was a big year for the annual St. Patrick’s parade in downtown Springfield.

Not only, according to the parade’s committee, did the parade raise as much money as they ever have through participation, but $10,000 of that is going through a growing and important initiative.

“This check to the (Downtown Springfield) Heritage Foundation is allotted to the My Heart’s Downtown initiative,” said Karen Conn, businessperson, “so that we can continue to keep the collaboration and support to downtown.”

The parade gives $10,000 annually to a charity or organization chosen by the grand marshals, which were Court and Karen Conn this year.

“We definitely feel like we’ve got some fresh buzz and some fresh awareness (in downtown),” said Scott Troehler, board president of the Heritage Foundation.  “One of the things that was put together was a ‘Meet the Cop’ event that Karen Conn put together.  We’re trying to get sort of everybody coalescing and raising more awareness, and hopefully that turns into more foot traffic downtown and more people downtown.”

That’s in addition to more special shopping events, and activities for attendees while they’re downtown, among other things, said Troehler.

My Heart’s Downtown is a collaboration of a number of groups, including the Heritage Foundation, Downtown Springfield Inc., and others.  The money from the parade is expected to be used on further marketing efforts.