COARSEGOLD — Once again the Ladies of the Lakes (LOL) have presented a check to support the firefighters of Madera County Fire Department’s Station 10 in Yosemite Lakes Park, this time for a record-breaking $4,302.88.
The presentation took place at the LOL Club Meeting on Monday, Oct. 17. In turn the Fire Department presented the Ladies with their updated perpetual plaque to reflect the 2016 Fundraiser Dinner.
“Ladies of the Lakes Women’s Club was thrilled to support our fire department again this year and we look forward to next year!” says LOL member and dinner co-chair Kathy Kunz.
Barb Novak and Kathy Kunz of LOL presenting 2016 Rigatoni Dinner check to Station 10 Capt. Gus Lavell – photo by Michele Sartain
Between 2003 – 2016, LOL has raised and donated over $45,805 to Station 10 to help supply them with equipment and other needs not provided by Madera County or Cal Fire.
“Our volunteer firefighters are held in high regard by our community and YLP and the surrounding communities are very generous to the cause,” says Kunz.
Ladies of the Lakes held their first Rigatoni Dinner Fundraiser in 2003 and have been doing it every September since, making use of the Blue Heron kitchen and the entire YLOA Clubhouse for the event.
“In 2012, the Ladies added a very popular option to the dinner — a drive-thru option and people love that!” says Kunz. ” Our meals count is pretty much split between dine-in and take-out. We serve anywhere from 300 to 400+ meals at these dinners. For the past 14 years Janet Delude has been our Kitchen Chairwoman and she developed the recipe for the Sauce and has recruited not only club members but also her family to help her in the kitchen.”
The LOL have had many great Rigatoni Dinner event chairwomen through the years, overseeing all aspects of the event and are responsible for interaction with the YLP Home Owners Association and their wonderful chef, who allows them to take over his domain for a couple of days. For the past few years Barbara Novak and Kathy Kunz have served as the event co-chairwomen.
“Ladies of the Lakes is a 501(c)3, and we welcome all women living in YLP and surrounding communities to come join us,” says Kunz. “We work hard to support our fire department, to provide scholarships for local high school students and to improve the quality of life in Yosemite Lakes Park.”
LOL meets on the third Monday of each month in the YLP Clubhouse, except for July and August. Meetings begin at 9:30 a.m, with hospitality at 9 a.m., and there is usually a program after the meeting.
September marks the beginning of their annual membership drive, and anyone interested is encouraged to come visit the Ladies at their next meeting.
“Meet some wonderful women, and have some fun!” says Kunz.
The next LOL event is the Annual Holiday Boutique on Saturday, Nov. 5, at the YLP Clubhouse from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Beginning in 2017 the club will be celebrating their 40th anniversary of service to the community.
Ladies of the Lakes Women’s Club is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, “Enhancing the Quality of life in Yosemite Lakes Park since 1977.”
