Donations to the Friends of Lake Panorama in support of a new playground at Sunset Beach now stand at more than $40,000. The first $30,000 was raised in late 2014 and through August of this year.
In mid-November, a special mailing to LPA members announced the nonprofit Friends group is working to raise an additional $50,000. The Lake Panorama Association board has pledged to match that amount if the money is raised by August 1, 2016.
So far, the mailing has brought in about $10,000. Lake Panorama Realty donated $2,500. Dave Wagler, a broker and Realtor with Lake Panorama Realty, says he and real estate agent Laura Kemble decided to make this donation for several reasons.
“We both live in this community, and are grateful for the Lake Panorama membership so wanted to contribute to this important project,” Wagler says. “Also, it is important to us that our community be appealing to potential home buyers. This new playground at Sunset Beach will add yet another amenity to attract new home buyers, as well as help support property values.”
While donations of all sizes are welcome, only donors of $500 or more are recognized on the Friends website. In addition, a sign listing these larger donors will be erected near the playground.
Kirk Fischer is one of seven volunteers serving on the Friends board of directors, and is in his second year as board president. He says one reason the Friends board plans to build this new playground is to provide families who are boating on busy weekends a fun place to get off the water for a while, while still enjoying their time on Lake Panorama.
The main play structure includes multiple slides, bridges and climbing opportunities. Several smaller structures surround the main area, including hop rocks, bongo stumps, and modern takes on the old-fashioned merry-go-round and teeter-totter.
“We’re hoping a wide range of Lake Panorama members, as well as friends, family and area businesses will donate to this new playground,” Fischer says. “To help make sure we don’t miss out on the matching funds from the LPA, perhaps donors will want to split their contribution, making a 2015 tax-deductible contribution now, and a 2016 tax-deductible contribution in January.”
Donations can be made in someone’s memory or in honor of someone. For donations by check, the mailing includes a form that can be completed and returned with a check. A donation form also is available on the Friends website, and donations can be accepted electronically.
Donations of securities (stocks, mutual funds, etc.) are welcome, and will be sold once transferred, with the proceeds deposited into the Friends bank account. A securities account has been established with GCSB Investment Center in Panora.
In addition to the Sunset Beach playground, donations also can be made to six separate funds or a combination of funds. There is a general fund, plus funds for Boulder Beach, Shady Beach, Sunset Beach, Panorama West, and Lake Panorama National. Money donated to these will be used at the discretion of the Friends board.
Questions regarding the Friends of Lake Panorama can be emailed to staff@friendsoflakepanorama.org.