Donations to Friends of Lake Panorama Reach $35,000

More than $35,000 was donated to the Friends of Lake Panorama in the last six weeks of 2014. A mid-November mailing to all LPA members included details of the nonprofit organization, its two current priority projects and a donation guide.

The Friends of Lake Panorama is a 501(c)(3) charity focused on improving recreational amenities at Lake Panorama. All contributions to the nonprofit are tax deductible, and all donors receive a receipt to use when filing their tax returns.

The mailing encouraged donations to two current priority projects. Nearly $19,000 has been donated so far to support a new playground at Sunset Beach. To date, the project’s largest donors are Dan and Melissa Pflieger, who gave $5,000 to the playground project.

More than $8,000 has been donated to renovate two tennis courts and add a basketball court at Lake Panorama National. Additional support for the sports courts project will come from $5,500 raised so far from 2015 LPN Granite Club members.

Granite Club members are recognized with granite signs on tee boxes on the LPN golf course. Currently there are seven holes on the course available for new Granite Club members. Efforts to promote new Granite Club memberships will get underway this spring.

Bids have been received for both priority projects. The Friends board had been told by the Sunset Beach playground contractor a price increase would take place in 2015, and a down payment of $29,000 would be needed to keep the current bid in place. The Friends board later received the good news that no price increase is expected this year. The bid for the LPN sports courts is good until April 1, 2015.

Additional efforts and special events to continue to raise money for these two projects are being planned. One option discussed is naming the playground or sports courts after an individual, family or company making a significant donation to either project. Anyone interested in this possibility can contact Susan Thompson at staff@friendsoflakepanorama.org.

Besides donations for these two priority projects, donations also have been received for each of six separate funds. About $1,700 was donated both to the Friends of Lake Panorama general fund and the LPN general fund. Nearly $1,000 was donated to both Panorama West and Shady Beach, with $550 to Boulder Beach.

Friends of Lake Panorama board members say they are pleased LPA members are making donations to recreational areas at Lake Panorama that interest them the most. The board will meet in early March, with one topic on the agenda being how money donated to these additional funds might be used. LPA members are encouraged to submit suggestions for how the money could be spent when they make a donation to one of the general funds.

Donors of $500 or more are listed on the Friends website. Where significant projects warrant, such as the Sunset Beach playground and the LPN sports courts, a sign recognizing large donors also will be erected near the completed project. Publicity and an annual report will be other ways donors are recognized.

Most donations so far have been made by check. But some have come through the Friends website using a credit card. Donations of securities also have been received through the Friends securities account with GCSB Investment Center in Panora. A donation form and complete details on donation options are available here.

FUNDRAISING CONTINUES FOR ‘JOE’S BENCH’

Fundraising for a project to honor Joe Scheiring is progressing, with about $1,000 raised towards a $2,500 goal. Scheiring passed away Aug. 8. He was well known as the organizer of the Fourth of July fireworks that originated at Lake Panorama’s Shady Beach for 20 years.

John Crawmer is leading the effort to honor the golf enthusiast with a bench on the #7 tee box at the Panorama West golf course. It is hoped enough money can be raised to have the bench in place during the 2015 golf season.

Donations are being accepted by the Friends of Lake Panorama charity, so all donations are tax-deductible. Any size donation is welcome. 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.

Donations to Friends of Lake Panorama Coming In

A mailing to all LPA members in mid-November is resulting in new donations to Friends of Lake Panorama, but additional donations are being sought. The mailing included details of the nonprofit organization, its two current priority projects and a donation guide.

The Friends of Lake Panorama is a 501(c)(3) charity focused on improving recreational amenities at Lake Panorama. All contributions to the nonprofit are tax deductible, and all donors will receive a receipt to use when filing their tax returns.

Donations are encouraged for two current priority projects — a new playground at Sunset Beach, and renovation of tennis courts plus the addition of a basketball court at Lake Panorama National.

Bids have been received for both projects. To keep the current Sunset Beach playground bid in place, about $29,000 must be raised before the end of December. That is the down payment needed to avoid an estimated five-percent increase in price. The bid for the LPN sports courts is good until April 1, 2015.

The Friends of Lake Panorama board of directors held its 2015 organizational meeting Dec. 2. Kirk Fischer was elected as board president. Tricia Steffen was elected to a second year as vice president, and Jim Spradling was elected to a second year as secretary/treasurer.

It was the last meeting for board members Kent Stephenson and Jodi Sutton, who each completed one-year terms, with Stephenson serving as president. Replacing them on the board are Dave Furbush and Jody Muench. Other board members are Bob McCleeary and Jan Reinicke.

At the meeting, the board discussed the need to make a push for additional donations in 2014 to see if the Sunset Beach playground bid can be kept at its current level. One option discussed was naming the playground after an individual, family or company making a significant donation to this project. Anyone interested in this possibility is asked to contact Susan Thompson at staff@friendsoflakepanorama.org.

Besides donations for these two priority projects, donations also have been received for each of six separate funds. These include a general fund, plus funds for Boulder Beach, Shady Beach, Sunset Beach, Panorama West and Lake Panorama National.

Board members said they are pleased LPA members are making donations to recreational areas at Lake Panorama that interest them the most. They will discuss how money donated to these general funds might be used when they meet in March.

Donors of $500 or more are listed on the Friends website here. Where significant projects warrant, such as the Sunset Beach playground and the LPN sports courts, a sign recognizing donors also will be erected near the completed project. Publicity and an annual report will be other ways donors are recognized.

Donations can be made by check or on the website using a credit card. Donations of securities also are welcome, and will be sold once transferred. A securities account has been established with GCSB Investment Center in Panora. Those donating securities are asked to complete and submit a donation form directing how the securities proceeds should be used. The donation form is available here.

Consider a Year-end Donation to Friends of Lake Panorama

Statistics show a high percentage of charitable contributions are made in the last few weeks of the year. Perhaps it’s because of the holiday spirit, or a desire to get a final tax deduction, or both. Sometimes a donation to charity is made in someone’s honor, rather than giving that person a gift.

For 2014, a new option for charitable giving is the Friends of Lake Panorama. The 501(c)(3) charity is focused on improving recreational amenities at Lake Panorama. All contributions to the nonprofit are tax deductible, and all donors will receive a letter of thanks as their receipt.

LPA members will receive a mailing in November with information on this nonprofit charity, current priority projects and ways to donate. The mailing includes a cover letter from Kent Stephenson, who is the current president of the seven-member volunteer board of directors. There is a two-page flyer that outlines the “who, what, when, where, why and how” of the organization, and a donation guide.

Donations are encouraged for one of two current priority projects. One is a new playground at Sunset Beach. The other will renovate two tennis courts at Lake Panorama National and add a basketball court. Each of the projects is estimated to cost between $100,000 and $120,000.

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 any of these will be used at the discretion of the Friends board, or for smaller, targeted projects approved by the Friends board.

For donations by check, the mailing includes a form that can be completed and returned with a check. Donations also 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.

Kristen Crouthamel, GCSB Investment Center financial advisor, says donating securities directly to Friends, rather than selling something that has appreciated in value, and then contributing the proceeds to the charity, offers several advantages.

“If the stock is higher in value than the purchase price, the donor would need to pay capital gains tax at the time of sale, and could only deduct the amount of the value after taxes,” she says. “But if the shares are transferred directly to a charity, there are no capital gains taxes and the donor can deduct the full amount as a charitable donation.”

Crouthamel says Friends of Lake Panorama also will benefit in this scenario, because it will not have to pay any capital gains tax and will receive the full value of the donation. She encourages donors to speak with their tax advisors about their specific situation and the treatment of donated appreciated stock.

Donors of $500 or more will be recognized on the Friends website, ads in the Lake Panorama Times, an annual printed report and future publicity. Where significant projects warrant, such as the Sunset Beach playground and the LPN sports courts, a sign recognizing donors will be erected near the completed project.

Anyone with questions regarding the Friends of Lake Panorama can contact Susan Thompson at 641-755-4382 or staff@friendsoflakepanorama.org.

For more information about donating securities, contact Kristen Crouthamel at 641-755-2799 or kcrouthamel@ibasecurities.com. (Securities offered through Broker Dealer Financial Services Corp., Member FINRA & SIPC. Advisory services offered through Investment Advisors Corp., an SEC registered investment adviser.)

Sunset Beach Playground Fundraiser a Success

A two-day sale raised about $1,700 to donate to Friends of Lake Panorama. The funds will be used to help build a new playground at Sunset Beach.

The Friends of Lake Panorama received nonprofit designation in July, so all contributions to the charity are tax deductible. Donations will help create new recreational amenities and improve existing amenities at Lake Panorama’s beaches, golf courses and other community property.

Fundraising is underway for two new projects. One is a destination playground at Sunset Beach that will cost about $120,000 to complete the entire project. The other is renovation of two tennis courts and the addition of a basketball court at Lake Panorama National.

The sale was Nov. 7-8 in the Panorama West community room. Several families living in the Sunset Beach neighborhood, plus elsewhere at Lake Panorama, brought items for the sale. Some donated a portion of the proceeds from their items, while others donated all proceeds from their items to the Friends nonprofit.

Some of the Sunset Beach group also baked cookies and bars that were available, along with coffee, for freewill donations. A display showing the proposed Sunset Beach playground was in the community room throughout the sale, along with additional information about the Friends of Lake Panorama.

Organizers expressed thanks to those who donated items, who purchased items, and who made additional donations above the cost of items they were purchasing. That type of generosity helped push the total to the $1,700 mark.

Friends of Lake Panorama Begins Fundraising for Playground, Sports Courts

Plans for two new recreational amenities were unveiled at a volunteer recognition dinner Oct. 15 at the LPN. To make the new projects possible, Friends of Lake Panorama is conducting a fundraising drive.

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. All contributions to the nonprofit 501(c)(3) charity are tax deductible.

One project will establish a new “destination” playground at Sunset Beach. The other will renovate the two tennis courts at Lake Panorama National, and add a basketball court.

To develop plans for the playground, the Friends board met with Sunset Beach neighbors in August to gather input on what recreational amenities might work best there. Following that meeting, desired playground components were listed and proposals requested from two companies.

After reviewing both proposals, the Friends board voted to work with Boland Recreation of Marshalltown and chose one of the three playground designs proposed. A second meeting was held with Sunset Beach neighbors to share the playground details, gather additional input and answer questions. Those attending the meeting expressed enthusiasm both for the chosen playground layout and Boland Recreation.

The playground is geared to ages 5 through 12, and has a play area capacity of 165. The area covered by play equipment will be 60 feet by 53 feet, with a larger protective surface area of 72 feet by 66 feet.

The main play structure includes multiple slides, bridges and climbing opportunities. Several smaller play structures surround the main area, including a modern twist on the old-fashioned merry-go-round and teeter-totter.

For the LPN sports court, the Friends board reviewed and priced options for either renovating or replacing the current tennis courts. After that review, the board voted to accept a proposal from Sport Construction Midwest to renovate the current tennis courts and add an adjacent basketball court.

The first step involves repairing cracks and leveling the overall surface of the existing courts. A crack repair product that has been proven 300 percent more successful than traditional methods will be used.

Next, a PowerGame two-tiered surface will be placed over the existing court, and marked for both tennis and pickle ball. The modular flooring features a locking system, so no glues or anchors are needed.

The five-eighths inch high, self-draining surface stays clean by allowing water, dirt and debris to drain through. The cushioned design also provides shock absorption to help reduce joint stress and fatigue. The product carries a 15-year warranty.

New concrete will be poured for the basketball court, which will be 50 feet wide by nearly 79 feet in length. There will be a basketball hoop system at each end of the court, and fencing will be added to at least two sides. The current proposal includes topping the basketball court with matching modular flooring used on the tennis courts.

Each of the two projects is estimated to cost between $100,000 and $120,000, so a goal of raising at least $200,000 has been set by the Friends board. Details of the two projects, plus information on how to donate, will be mailed to all LPA members this fall.

But fundraising already is underway, and donations to these two priority projects encouraged. Donations also can be made to six separate funds, in addition to the two special projects.

There is a general fund, plus funds for Boulder Beach, Shady Beach, Sunset Beach, Panorama West, and Lake Panorama National. Money donated to any of these funds will be used at the discretion of the Friends board, or for smaller, targeted projects approved by the Friends board.

To donate, make checks payable to Friends of Lake Panorama, and include details on how the money is to be used. Donations can be designated to more than one project or fund. Mail to Friends of Lake Panorama, PO Box 488, Panora, IA 50216.

Donations also can be accepted electronically on the Friends of Lake Panorama website at www.friendsoflakepanorama.org. The website includes drawings and details about the two current projects, plus other information about the charity.

A brokerage account is being established so donations of stock can be accepted. Donating stock that has appreciated in value can provide tax advantages in two ways — full deduction of a charitable contribution and no requirement to pay capital gains tax on the appreciated value.

Long term, it is hoped those who have a love for Lake Panorama will consider Friends of Lake Panorama during estate planning.

Major donors will be recognized on the Friends website, plus ads in the Lake Panorama Times, an annual printed report and community-wide publicity. Where significant projects warrant, such as the Sunset Beach playground and the LPN sports courts, a sign recognizing key donors will be erected near the completed project.

Kent Stephenson is the president of the Friends board. Tricia Steffen is vice president, and Jim Spradling is secretary-treasurer. Other board members are Kirk Fischer, Bob McCleeary, Jan Reinicke and Jodi Sutton. Susan Thompson is assisting the group.

Anyone with questions or suggestions regarding the Friends of Lake Panorama can contact Susan Thompson at 641-755-4382 or staff@friendsoflakepanorama.org.

Plan for Major Fund Drive Being Finalized for Friends of Lake Panorama

Just three months after receiving word from the IRS that it had been granted non-profit status, the Friends of Lake Panorama board of directors is preparing to launch its first major fundraising campaign.

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. All contributions to the nonprofit 501(c)(3) charity are tax deductible.

The charity’s seven-member board of directors is focused on improving existing facilities at Lake Panorama’s two golf courses and three beaches, plus developing new recreational amenities as funds allow.

Plans and related costs for two major projects are being finalized, with fundraising to get underway in the next month. One project will be to renovate two tennis courts at Lake Panorama National, plus add a fenced basketball court with two baskets to the east of the tennis courts.

A second project will be to establish a new “destination” playground at Sunset Beach. The Friends board held a meeting with Sunset Beach neighbors August 18 to get input, and will hold another meeting in early October to review possible plans for the playground.

Estimates show each of these two projects will cost about $100,000. Once plans are finalized, public meetings to show drawings and additional details of the projects will be held. A post office box has been established and a bulk mail permit obtained. A brochure with details of the two projects, plus information on how to donate, will be mailed to all LPA members this fall.

Donations to these two priority projects will be encouraged. But for people who prefer to make a general donation, there will be six “funds” in addition to the two special projects.

There will be a general fund, plus funds for Boulder Beach, Shady Beach, Sunset Beach, Panorama West, and Lake Panorama National. Money donated to any of these funds will be used at the discretion of the Friends board, or for smaller, targeted projects that have been approved by the Friends board.

A website is being developed so donations can be accepted electronically. Major donors will be recognized on the website, plus ads in the Lake Panorama Times, an annual printed report and community-wide publicity. Where significant projects warrant, such as the Sunset Beach playground and the LPN sports courts, a sign recognizing key donors will be erected near the completed project.

Kent Stephenson is the president of the Friends of Lake Panorama board of directors. Tricia Steffen is vice president, and Jim Spradling is secretary-treasurer. Other board members are Kirk Fischer, Bob McCleeary, Jan Reinicke and Jodi Sutton. Susan Thompson is assisting the group.

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.