Ticket sales and table sponsorships have been strong for the 1st annual Friends of Lake Panorama “Fun-raiser” planned for Friday, May 6. The Beach Ball will be held at the Lake Panorama National Conference Center, with proceeds used to build a new playground at Sunset Beach.
The Friends of Lake Panorama board has set a goal of raising $20,000 with this event, which will make it possible for the playground to be built this summer. Only checks and cash can be accepted that evening for the many fundraising activities.
The Beach Ball will include dinner, live music, a wine pull, raffle, silent and live auctions, and other activities. In keeping with The Beach Ball theme, casual attire is encouraged. All tables will be decorated with a different theme, and those in attendance will vote for their favorites by putting cash into corresponding jars.
Sponsors have been secured for all 30 tables for this event. About 40 individual tickets still are available. Tickets are $40 each, with half of each ticket going to Friends.
Many items have been donated for the auctions and raffle, but more are needed. Some items so far include four tickets to the June 19 NASCAR XFINITY Series American Ethanol 250, located in the Newton Club, plus fan walk passes and parking; basketball signed by Bill Fennelly, Iowa State University women’s basketball coach; and a tree of choice, planted, from the Wood Duck Tree Farm.
Also, two framed limited edition Terry Redlin prints; two framed limited edition Iowa Ducks Unlimited prints; Iowa and Iowa State University bags games; Iowa Hawkeye cast iron skillet; Coca Cola collector’s items; telescope; several planters filled with summer flowers; gift baskets; two collector’s coin sets; wooden golf ball rack; gum ball machine and more.
Anyone interested in purchasing tickets or donating an item for the auctions or raffle can email staff@friendsoflakepanorama.org. Or call Susan Thompson at 641-755-4382 or 515-240-6536.
Friends of Lake Panorama is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity, so the $100 table sponsorships and $20 per ticket are tax-deductible contributions. The value of items donated for the auctions and raffle also could be tax deductible.
The Beach Ball will begin at 5 p.m. with a social hour that features special drink prices and time to view and vote on the decorated tables. The buffet dinner will be served beginning at 6 p.m.
Donated bottles of wine are being solicited for the wine pull, and will be wrapped so labels aren’t visible. Patrons will buy a numbered cork for $20, giving them the chance to pull a mystery bottle of wine to take home. Those with wine to donate can contact Julie Wykoff at jaallen9@aol.com or 515-778-0053.
The evening will end with live music presented by the RBJ Trio, which specializes in music from the 1950s to the ‘70s. With Rick McReynolds on vocals and guitar, Beth McReynolds on vocals, and Jack O'Leary on vocals and keyboard, the group plays along with digitally recorded drums and bass to present a full band sound.
Friends of Lake Panorama made a $30,000 down payment on the playground equipment in January. The main playground structure includes multiple slides, bridges and climbing opportunities. Several smaller structures surround the main area, including hop rocks, bongo stumps, a merry-go-round and teeter-totter.