LLC Foundation Raises More than $1.65 Million, Beats Goal

During the meeting, the board renewed the previous year’s fundraising goal of $1.25 million and celebrated fundraising milestones reached. Employee giving increased from 42% from the previous fiscal year to 66 percent.  A 100 percent board participation rate from the Foundation Board of Directors, Alumni Association Board of Directors and the College Board of Trustees was also achieved during year.

 

“The Lake Land College Foundation had a record breaking year in terms of gifts received and the impact made on the college community. In addition to awarding more than a half a million dollars in scholarships, we were able to enhance athletics as well as provide academic program,” said Jackie Joines, executive director for college advancement.

 

“Last year, the foundation was able to award $580,000 in scholarships to students, provide important instructional support in the form of equipment and technology, and assist students with emergency needs,” Joines said.  “More support is needed as only about one-third of the applicants for scholarships received assistance.  Sharing the impact our investors can have through their private support will help us reach our goal.”

 

The Lake Land College Foundation Board purchased and installed injection molding equipment for the new plastics program in Paris, with five area businesses using it. The Foundation also purchased new scoreboards for the Field House, baseball and softball fields this year. In addition, Heartland Dental updated what is now known as the Heatland Dental Dental Hygiene Lab, and the family of Dr. William and Margaret Podestá have established a new park on campus that will also serve as a veterans’ memorial on campus.

 

Board members and officers were elected for the upcoming year. Officers are: Michael Bohannon, president, Charleston; Tom Grunloh, vice-president, Effingham; and Lisa Kallis, secretary, Charleston.  Board members are Debbie Benefiel, Paris; Michelle Blackwell, Pana; Steve Childers, Mattoon; Alan Fedrigon, Shelbyville; Dr. Tom Fonner, Effingham; Rich Hartke, Effingham; Brian Hutchins, Charleston; Bob Pancoast, Shelbyville; Deacon Patient, Sullivan; Chris Pilson, Mattoon; Preston Smith, Mattoon; Chad Thompson, Effingham; and Tom Wright, Dieterich. Ex-Officio members are: Dr. Josh Bullock, college president, Mattoon; David Cox, director of alumni relations and annual giving, Mattoon; Austin Frank, alumni association president, Mattoon; Dave Frisse, legal counsel, Paris; Jacqueline Joines, CFRE executive director of college advancement, Brocton; Doris Reynolds, Lake Land College Board of Trustees Liaison, Mattoon; Paula Rosine, director of foundation operations, Mattoon; and Madge Shoot, treasurer, Mattoon. The board welcomed Tim Gover, mayor of Mattoon and Micah Dickens of Sullivan as new members for three-year terms.

 

The board presented awards recognizing outstanding contributions to the Foundation during the year.

 

Tom Grunloh, board secretary, Laker Nation Class of 1982, received the annual Crystal Swan Award presented annually to an outstanding board member. Grunloh has 100 percent participation in all board activities, meetings and committee meetings during his tenure and has served as an officer of the board.

 

The Crystal Swan Award was created in 1993, as a way to recognize foundation board members who have gone above and beyond in their leadership and service to the Lake Land College Foundation during their tenure. Each recipient demonstrates a passion and commitment to the educational goals of students that rises above all others.

 

Grunloh also was one of two individuals recognized as Outstanding Philanthropists for the year. Grunloh runs a large successful construction firm, serves on several for-profit and non-profit boards and financially supports many organizations such as Lake Land.

 

“Tom believes in the mission of the Foundation and the college and encourages others to be involved with Lake Land, whether it be as a donor, alumni or as a new student,” Michael Bohannon, Charleston, president of the Lake Land College Foundation Board of Directors, said. “His support of student scholarships makes a difference in the lives of so many.”

 

Wayne and the late Clara Borgic of Pana, received the Outstanding Philanthropist Award along with Grunloh. The Borgics gifted their 355 acres of farm to the Foundation in a life estate arrangement in agreement for retaining the land for educational purposes. Income from the farm along with a separate bequest, will support the Ben H. & Mary C. Kramer Scholarship in allied health, the John & Evelyn Borgic Scholarship in agriculture, and other needs as determined by the Foundation.

 

This gift, the first of its kind for the Foundation, recognizes the Borgics as President's Platinum Council members for lifetime giving of $1 million - $2.9 million.

 

“Words of thanks are simply not enough to convey the impact the Borgics will have on our students,” said Jackie Joines. Not only will the funds generated from the farm impact our students and programs, but the farm will serve as a living lab for our agriculture students forever.”

 

“The Borgics originally made the gift anonymously, so we are thrilled that Mr. Borgic has changed his mind and agreed for us to share this good news now so that he may see the difference his gift is making,” Joines added.

 

This award is bestowed upon individuals who have demonstrated dedication and commitment to the overall educational experience of Lake Land College students by providing sustaining financial support through lifetime contributions, and pledges or planned gifts, as well as service to the college and the community.

 

Dr. Roger Dettro, former Lake Land College Foundation Board member and former Lake Land College Board of Trustees member and secretary, received the Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser Award. Dettro suggested that the Lake Land College Foundation Golf Classic be an annual event when he joined the Foundation in 1997, and the outing has raised more than half a million dollars since. The award is presented annually to an individual who has given gifts of time and talent in securing private funding on behalf of Lake Land College students.

 

“The Foundation owes so much to Dr. Dettro for his efforts in building a solid base for the Foundation to grow into the strong foundation it is today,” said Joines. “His efforts as a volunteer will continue to be felt for years to come.”

 

Agri-Fab and Hydro-Gear received the Outstanding Philanthropic Organization Award. Agri-Fab employs nearly 400 and Hydro-Gear employs nearly 700, many of which are Lake Land College alumni.  Together, they have given in excess of $52,000.  In addition, they have given more than $12,000 in equipment to help train future employees through workforce development.

 

“These two companies continue to look for ways to partner with us to make a difference at Lake Land,” said Jackie Joines. “We currently have two foundation board members who are affiliated with the Agri-Fab/Hydro-Gear family in addition to their continued support of scholarships and academic programs.”

 

This award is bestowed upon corporations, small businesses, industry, community organizations, and private foundations that have demonstrated dedication and commitment to the overall educational experience of Lake Land College students by providing sustaining financial support through a pattern of reoccurring gifts and pledges making a significant difference at Lake Land College.

 

The Lake Land College Foundation is a nonprofit corporation organized and operated exclusively to support Lake Land College.  By developing and fostering relationships in conducting charitable activities, the Foundation enhances the educational opportunities and services provided to its students, alumni, and citizens of the district. The Foundation accepts, gifts, grants, and bequests and over sees investments and operations in their fiduciary role.If you would like more information on how to make a difference at Lake Land College through a gift to the Foundation, please contact the Foundation at 217-234-5363, by emailing foundation@lakelandcollege.edu, or by visiting the Foundation on the web at www.lakelandcollege.edu/dv/fd/. Gifts to the Lake Land College Foundation are considered tax deductible.