FOUNDATION FUND CAMPAIGN

Preserve our heritage. How can you help?

Only someone who honors the traditions of his ancestors is worthy to be their descendant.

Many members remember when Lenau Park officially opened on New Year’s Eve 1984 as we rang in 1985. It’s hard to believe that at the end of this calendar year, our facility will be 41 years old. The Donauschwaben’s German American Cultural Center, also known as Lenau Park, is a 501c3 non-profit organization. As a non-profit, Lenau Park will always need to fundraise. We have done so since the founding of our organization in 1958, and we have continued fundraising efforts every year. 

During a recent review of our grounds and facilities, our Board identified a long list of repairs and maintenance needs—many of which are urgent. Our main building now needs major improvements; the most urgent is the need to address our heating and cooling systems, which are all reaching the end of their respective life spans at the same time. Other major issues include refrigeration systems, the roof, the driveway/parking lot, and additional smaller projects. Your donation will directly support these essential capital projects.

Currently, we are in need of two types of donations. We need to raise funds for our Capital Campaign to cover urgent repairs and/or replacements of key equipment within the facility. We also need donations to our Foundation Fund for the long-term financial stability of Lenau Park. 

For many years, our most successful fundraisers have been the Sommer Oktoberfest and our annual Fish Fry. At one time, this fundraising was done to develop the land and build our facility. However, these are no longer enough to cover ever-increasing costs. Today, our need to fundraise is primarily for the repair and maintenance of our aging facility. Balancing the need to replenish savings while addressing major maintenance issues has been a difficult task, and we are actively exploring several solutions.

The Foundation Fund was established for Lenau Park in 2023 when a member made a generous stock donation valued at $25,000 in a Vanguard investment account. Originally, the fund came with the stipulation that our membership raise an equal amount through donations, which we accomplished. Since the account opened, it has continued to grow, nearly doubling in value. In a perfect world, the Foundation Fund would continue to grow to reach $1,000,000, and going forward, Lenua Park could use the dividends from this fund to help finance our future. 

If you are in a position to contribute to the Capital Campaign or the Foundation Fund, we would be sincerely grateful. Donations of any size to the Donauschwaben German-American Cultural Center (DGACC) will help us reach our $1,000,000 goal. Just as many hands make light work, many donations help us reach our goal. Ideally, all our members would contribute in some way. With tax season approaching, now is an ideal time to consider making a tax-deductible contribution. This type of gift supports the long-term future of our club and serves as a meaningful legacy investment, ensuring the future for many generations. 

In times like this, we’re reminded of how interconnected we are. Thank you for being a part of our German Heritage community with the Donauschwaben at Lenau Park. Without you, none of it is possible.

Donations can be made by personal check, money order, or via our website link using a credit card or the Jeffy payment link. Press the DONATE button or call our office at 440-235-2646 today! Thank you for your continued patronage and support!