The Lake Leelanau Lake Association (LLLA) is seeking donors and sponsors for its annual spring auction, dedicated to raising funds to protect and enhance the quality and beauty of Lake Leelanau.
The virtual auction, which runs from April 15-28, is the primary fundraiser for the nonprofi t association, which focuses its work on the stewardship of the lake.
Proceeds from previous auctions helped finance the installation of a boat-cleaning station at the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) boat launch on the Narrows. Additionally, the funds allowed the LLLA to place and maintain navigational buoys, plan educational outreach events, support Kids Fishing Day, provide information to lakefront homeowners on how to protect their shorelines and perform other activities to help keep the waters of the lake clean and pure.
Proceeds from this spring’s auction will go toward:
• Operating and staffing the four newly constructed boat cleaning stations around Lake Leelanau to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species • Providing community educational events and publications and installing educational signs at all public lake access points, outlining the need to protect the lake’s fragile ecosystem
• Purchasing new equipment to monitor the lake bottom and detect any new introductions of aquatic invasive species as early as possible “The majestic beauty of Lake Leelanau, and the recreational and economic opportunities it provides, benefit everyone who is fortunate to live or work in this area,” said Diane Pelak, auction committee co-chair. “The spring auction is a great way to help preserve and protect this 89,000-acre watershed. We invite individuals and businesses to consider being a sponsor, making a cash contribution, donating goods or services, or by bidding on some fantastic auction items.”
Sponsorships are available for businesses or individuals at the gold ($2,500), silver ($1,000), and bronze ($250) levels. Sponsors receive recognition in print, email, and social media communications related to the auction. Cash contributions will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $25,000.
To become a sponsor or to donate cash or an auction item, please visit the auction website at https://bit.ly/LLLA2024. Bidders may use the same site to register for the silent auction and, once it begins, to view auction packages and bid on items via smartphone, personal computer, or tablet.
Examples of past auction items include: a week’s stay at a home or condo, a sunset cruise on the lake, tickets to sporting events, artwork, jewelry, gift cards, watersports lessons, wine, restaurant discounts and other items.
“The possibilities for auction items are endless,” Pelak said. “Our committee members are happy to work with donors to create auction packages that will entice bidders while bringing visibility to the donor, along with the satisfaction of helping protect this precious natural resource.”
In addition to Pelak, 2024 auction committee members include: Laura Paine and Carol Rademacher (also co-chairs), Doug VanDyke, Andy Jamieson, Susan Maring, Liz Laskey, Jim Fisher, Linda Simmonds, and Annalise Povolo. All can be reached via email at [email protected].
With almost 600 member households, the Lake Leelanau Lake Association and its small army of volunteers have been active stewards of Lake Leelanau and the surrounding watershed for more than 40 years. To learn more about the Association, please visit https:// lakeleelanau.org/.
