By Susan Thompson | Times Vedette

The Blues & BBQ fundraiser Aug. 29 raised more than $11,000 to support future improvements on the Lake Panorama National Golf Course.

An estimated 250 people attended the fundraiser at Lake Panorama’s Boulder Beach.  

The event featured barbecued meats donated and prepared by local lake chefs with choices of pork, beef and chicken. Side dishes included cheesy potatoes, baked beans, pasta salad, coleslaw and several desserts.

Tickets were $40 each, and additional cash donations were collected during the event. Donors covered event expenses, allowing all ticket revenue and donated funds to go directly to the LPN Golf Course capital fundraising campaign.

The LPN Board of Managers hosted the event, with board member Chris Duree chairing the planning committee.

Beef brisket was donated, prepared and served by Jim Tibbles and Ron Reynolds. Chris Duree and Rod Robson prepared and served smoked chicken legs and baked beans. The chicken legs and beans were purchased by Chris and Brenda Duree.

Mike and Kelly Faga purchased pork loins and ribs. Mike Faga was assisted by Keith Ketcham and Carl Snowden in preparing and serving the pork.

Kathy Moline donated coleslaw, buns and dessert bars. Sherri Miller donated condiments, chips, pasta salad and bars. Julie Tibbles provided dessert bars. LPN provided paper products.

Dave and Shanell Wagler donated cheesy potatoes and bottled water and covered the cost of live music provided by the Brick ‘n Bob Duo.

Others who helped with planning, setup, tickets, serving and cleanup were Galen Redshaw, Mark Jorgensen, Lyle and Paula Hansen, Doug and Dee Eckley and Royce Shaffer.

This is the third year of the LPN capital campaign. To date, more than $155,000 has been raised. Funds have been used to renovate four forward tee boxes and the driving range teeing area.

Additional forward tee box worked is planned as funding is available. Future plans call for work on the main tee boxes, renovation of sand bunkers, installation of new hole signage and cart path work.

Friends of Lake Panorama is partnering with the LPN on the effort, making all donations tax deductible.

Direct donations can be made by check payable to Friends of Lake Panorama, and mailed to Friends, P.O. Box 488, Panora, Iowa, 50216. Donations also can be made through Venmo @Panorama-Friends or by credit card at friendsoflakepanorama.org.

Donors contributing $500 or more are recognized on both the Lake Panorama National Resort and Friends websites.