An estimated 200 people attended the Friends of Lake Panorama 2020 Beach Ball on August 1 at the Lake Panorama National Conference Center. After expenses, the event showed a profit of $30,000.

Friends has a goal of raising $70,000 to provide new playground equipment at both Shady and Boulder beaches. Add the Beach Ball’s $30,000 profit to about $25,000 in direct donations received over the last few months, and just $15,000 remains to reach the playground project goal.

Both outdoor and indoor spaces were used for the Beach Ball. Outside tables were under tents, located on the grass between the conference center and the golf course. Despite a 20-minute rain shower, those outside stayed dry while enjoying their meal and live music by Little Joe McCarthy, a singer and songwriter who lives in Omaha.

The event raised money through 30 table sponsorships of $125 each, which went directly to the playgrounds, plus half of each $40 event ticket. Friends also received a portion of drink and dessert ticket sales.

Seventy items were donated for a silent auction, which raised $5,440. The live auction raised $9,665. Tickets purchased in the 50/50 raffle totaled $1,935. No one responded to the first ticket drawn. The second ticket pulled belonged to Jan Reinicke, Friends of Lake Panorama president, who donated her half of the money pot back to Friends.

Direct donations came from eight couples or individuals who donated $500 or more as part of the event’s “add your name” challenge.

Fundraising will continue until the $70,000 goal for the playgrounds is reached. Donations can be mailed to PO Box 488, Panora, IA 50216, with checks payable to Friends of Lake Panorama.

All donations are tax-deductible. Donors of $500 or more will be recognized on signs erected near both playgrounds. More information about the playgrounds and other donation options is available at www.friendsoflakepanorama.org.