08/16/2026
A Heartfelt Thank You from Downtown Lexington
We have some bittersweet news to share.
After working alongside the Lexington Community Betterment Association, Lexington Area Chamber of Commerce and the Lexington Tourism Commission and with the incredible generosity of so many of you who donated in person and through our GoFundMe campaign, we were unfortunately unable to secure the KC Parade of Hearts Bee for Lexington. We gave it our very best effort, but ultimately, we were outbid.
While we are disappointed, we are also incredibly grateful.
The Bee has brought so much color, joy, conversation, and curiosity to Downtown Lexington. Her artwork tells such a unique story, and although we would have loved for her to permanently call Lexington home, we know she will find a beautiful place where her story can continue to be shared and appreciated.
Most of all, thank you to every person who believed in this effort and made a donation. Your willingness to step forward and help showed just how much heart there is in this community.
We are also deeply appreciative of the Lexington Community Betterment Association, Lexington Area Chamber of Commerce and the Lexington Tourism Commission for partnering with us and supporting the effort to keep this special piece in Lexington.
The Lexington, Missouri Merchants Association has decided to fully refund all donations received toward the purchase of the Bee. Everyone who made a donation will be contacted directly, and refunds will be issued through the Merchants Association, regardless of whether your original donation was made in person or through GoFundMe. We want to make sure every donor is personally accounted for and every contribution is returned.
Although we weren’t able to bring this particular piece home permanently, what we did get to see was our community come together around something that brought beauty, art, and joy to Lexington.
That support means more than we can say.
Thank you to everyone who donated, shared, encouraged, and helped us try. Lexington showed up with a whole lot of heart—and for that, we are incredibly thankful.
