Funds Being Raised for Scheiring Memorial Bench at Panorama West

A long-time friend of Lake Panorama passed away August 8, 2014. Joe Scheiring was well known as the organizer of the Fourth of July fireworks that originated at Shady Beach for 20 years.

He also was well known for his love of golf. “Joe loved golf,” says John Crawmer. “He never went on a vacation without taking his clubs. He won the men’s league at Panorama West several times.”

Crawmer says as he and other members of the men’s league were reminiscing about Joe, they decided it would be nice to honor his memory by placing a bench on the #7 tee box at Panorama West.

“We call this the money hole, since all players put a quarter on the stand and whoever is closest to the flag, takes the money,” Crawmer says. “We thought the perfect inscription on the bench would be – ‘In memory of Joe Scheiring, who loved the money hole, because he usually won it!’”

Crawmer and others researched bench options and have chosen one from Watts Vault and Monument Co. in Des Moines that will cost $2,500, including installation. While discussing how to raise the necessary funds, it was suggested Crawmer contact Friends of Lake Panorama.

This non-profit charity received IRS approval in July to accept tax-deductible donations, with funds used to preserve, maintain and improve existing facilities at Panorama West and Lake Panorama National golf courses, plus the three Lake Panorama beaches.

The main goal of the charity is to raise money for projects the LPA cannot finance. For instance, the charity’s board is developing plans for a major fundraising effort to finance a large playground at Sunset Beach and new sports courts at Lake Panorama National.

But being able to assist with smaller projects such as the Scheiring memorial bench is another reason the Friends of Lake Panorama charity was formed. Working through the charity, donations to the Scheiring memorial bench will be tax deductible to donors.

Any size donation will be accepted. If more than the needed $2,500 is raised, extra funds will go to the Wounded Warriors Project, which Joe designated before his death as a charity of choice.

Checks should be made out to Friends of Lake Panorama and mailed to Friends of Lake Panorama, PO Box 488, Panora, IA 50216. For information about the bench, contact Crawmer at 641-755-3043 or 641-757-1950. For information about Friends of Lake Panorama, contact Susan Thompson at 641-755-4382 or 515-240-6536.

Friends of Lake Panorama Board Researching Potential Projects

The Friends of Lake Panorama board of directors met July 21, 2014, with much of the discussion focused on potential projects for a fundraising campaign. Board members are considering several options, with its first campaign this fall raising money for targeted projects on both the west and east sides of Lake Panorama.

The Friends of Lake Panorama is a public charity organized and operated exclusively for charitable purposes, and is completely separate from the Lake Panorama Association and Lake Panorama National.

A July 2 letter from the IRS stated Friends of Lake Panorama is exempt from federal income tax, and contributions to the public charity are deductible under federal law. The letter also stated the group is qualified to receive “tax deductible bequests, devises, transfers or gifts.”

The Friends of Lake Panorama board of directors includes Kirk Fischer, Bob McCleeary, Jan Reinicke, James Spradling, Tricia Steffen, Kent Stephenson and Jodi Sutton. Susan Thompson is assisting the group.

The board’s emphasis is on improving existing facilities, and developing new recreational amenities to benefit the Lake Panorama community.

At its July 21 meeting, the board formed two subcommittees. James Spradling agreed to chair the playground/sports court committee, with Jodi Sutton chairing the giving levels/recognition subcommittee.

The board approved taking over responsibility for the LPN teebox sponsorship program. It began in 2008 to raise money for the construction of Spikes, the restroom and snack facility located on the golf course. As initial contracts expire, sponsors can keep their signs in place at an annual cost of $500. Since Spikes was completed, money raised with this program has helped fund two on-course bathrooms, a keg cooler, new flagsticks, distance markers, ball washers and more.

For some businesses, and all individuals, routing funds through the nonprofit Friends of Lake Panorama would be advantageous. As in the past, money raised through the program will be committed to improvements at Lake Panorama National. Current teebox sponsors have received letters explaining the change and asked for ongoing commitments. Once the list of current supporters is final, remaining holes will be offered to new donors.

IRS Approves Tax Exempt Status for Friends of Lake Panorama

For many years, people have donated money to improve amenities at Lake Panorama or provided gifts in memory of loved ones. Yet those donations could not be deducted on the giver’s taxes.

A new group will change that. Articles of Incorporation for the Friends of Lake Panorama were filed with the Iowa Secretary of State’s office November 1, 2013, and an application for 501(c)(3) designation was submitted to the IRS January 17, 2014.

A July 2, 2014 letter from the IRS stated the Friends of Lake Panorama is exempt from federal income tax, and contributions to the public charity are deductible under federal law. The letter also stated the group is qualified to receive “tax deductible bequests, devises, transfers or gifts” under federal law.

The Friends of Lake Panorama is a corporation organized and operated exclusively for charitable purposes, and is completely separate from the Lake Panorama Association.

A seven-member Friends of Lake Panorama board of directors has been formed. Board members are Kirk Fischer, Bob McCleeary, Jan Reinicke, James Spradling, Tricia Steffen, Kent Stephenson and Jodi Sutton. Susan Thompson is assisting the group.

At its first meeting last December, the board developed a list of current needs, as well as new projects that could be undertaken immediately or planned for the future. Emphasis was on improving existing facilities, and developing new amenities that will benefit the Lake Panorama community.

Now that the group’s non-profit status has been confirmed, discussions can continue on specific projects for targeted fundraising. Attention also will turn to fundraising efforts, recognition programs, and soliciting feedback from the Lake Panorama community on possible projects and fundraising plans.

Friends of Lake Panorama Formed

For many years, people have donated money to improve amenities at Lake Panorama or provided gifts in memory of loved ones. Yet those donations could not be deducted on the giver’s taxes.

The Lake Panorama Association is designated by the IRS as a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization. Although it is a nonprofit, donations made to the LPA are not tax deductible as a charitable contribution. In addition, funds bequeathed through an individual’s estate to the LPA would be subject to a 15% inheritance tax.

A new group should change that. Articles of Incorporation for the Friends of Lake Panorama were filed with the Iowa Secretary of State’s office November 1, 2013. This is a corporation organized and operated exclusively for charitable purposes, and is completely separate from the Lake Panorama Association.

A seven-member Friends of Lake Panorama board of directors has been formed. Board members are Kirk Fischer, Bob McCleeary, Jan Reinicke, James Spradling, Tricia Steffen, Kent Stephenson and Jodi Sutton. Susan Thompson is assisting the group.

At its first meeting, the board developed a list of current needs already known, as well as new projects that could be undertaken immediately or planned for the future. Emphasis during the discussions was both on improving existing facilities, and developing new amenities that will benefit the Lake Panorama community.

An application for 501(c)(3) designation was submitted to the IRS January 17, 2014. Once approved, contributions to the Friends of Lake Panorama would be tax-deductible and estate gifts exempt from inheritance tax.