More than 160 people attended the Friends of Lake Panorama 2023 Beach Ball June 16 at the Lake Panorama National event center. After expenses, the event had a profit of $25,000.
For the third year in a row, individuals and businesses became Friends Beach Club members to support this event. Those who joined at one of these levels paid a little extra to get a little extra, while also making a direct donation to Friends of Lake Panorama. Friends Beach Club members were listed in the program.
There were 12 businesses and groups of individuals that spent $700 to join the Premier level of the Beach Club. Twenty-three couples spent $250 to be in the Couples Beach Club, with nine businesses or individuals donating $150 to sponsor a table.
There were 70 items donated for the silent auction, which brought in $6,700. The live auction of 12 items raised $11,450. Proceeds from tickets sold for a 50/50 raffle netted $1,150.
Publicity in advance of the Beach Ball said profits would be used to enhance existing trails on Lake Panorama’s south shore of the main basin. At a meeting June 26, the Friends board of directors confirmed their intent to fund plans now underway to complete a trail system on the south shore. This project is being done in cooperation with Panorama Community Schools, as some portions of the trail system will be used for cross country team practices and meets.
Over the last 18 months, Friends has received private donations of nearly $11,000 designated for use on the south shore. Friends board representatives will present a proposal in the near future to the LPA board of directors regarding additional low-impact recreational amenities, which would be funded by these private donations, plus 2023 Beach Ball funds.
Donations to Friends of Lake Panorama are accepted at any time, and can be designated for the south shore, a bench at one of the three beaches or two golf courses, or for the general fund to be allocated by the Friends board. Checks can be made payable to Friends of Lake Panorama and mailed to PO Box 488, Panora, IA 50216.
Direct donations also can be sent via Venmo @Panorama-Friends. Credit cards are accepted on the Friends website, although Friends is charged a 2.9% processing fee on these donations. Donors are asked to consider increasing their donation to help cover this additional cost.
All donations are tax-deductible. Donors of $500 or more are recognized on signs erected near specific projects they designate, and on the donor page of the Friends website. More information is available at www.friendsoflakepanorama.org.