You may have heard about the Clark Lake Forever Fund. It works like an endowment. Contributions made to it are held and not spent. Only the interest, dividends or capital gains are deployed when and if those funds become needed. Otherwise, they help build the fund. As the name implies, it’s about legacy building that ensures a bright future, all for the love of Clark Lake.
So, far three Clark Lakers have contributed $1000 each. The fourth contributor has gone big. A Clark Lake family has created a matching grant challenge of $50,000. That means the effect of every donation is doubled up to $50,000 if the goal is reached. The $100,000 total becomes meaningful for the income it will provide. Without the matching grant multiplier, here’s what progress looks like so far.
Would you like to give it a try? Clark Lake Spirit Foundation is a 501c3 which could mean tax advantages for donors. A previous story explains how that can be a lift when facing certain tax situations. Click here to read up on it.
One thing experience has taught Clark Lake. When it comes to maintaining, saving and/or improving our piece of paradise, outside sources are unlikely to accomplish what Clark Lakers believe should happen. The Spirit Trail, Build the Bell Tower, restoring the Community Center, the Welcome to Clark Lake Sign, DamStrong, and this website are shining examples. They illustrate how caring residents join hands and Stand Up for Clark Lake.
There’s a cost associated with projects, especially in today’s economy. One need only take a peek at recent Spirit Trail projects to see why. The repaving of two sections of the Spirit Trail cost over $50,000 the summer before last. Last summer, sealcoating those two sections amounted to $4,000.
While many worthwhile non-profits exist, the Clark Lake Spirit Foundation is the one and only that is totally dedicated to the benefit of Clark Lake. Projects, activities and deployment of funds wrap arms around Clark Lake, and look after its interests.
For this and future Clark Lake Forever Fund updates, look for them to include pics that represent the Clark Lake Spirit from years ago to now.
Buzz Belcher on a practice trick run. Check out the Pleasant View Pavilion in the background. The hotel was already gone by the time this picture was taken. Later the Pavilion and other structures would also make way for beautiful new homes.
Here’s a rewind that takes you back many years prior to the photo above.
View of the hotel (on left) and pavilion (on right).
Visitors disembarking the Cincinnati Northern train at the west end were shuttled to Pleasant View via a steamer.
View of Pleasant View from Eagle Point
Thanks to Erik Albrektson for donating the postcard images. It’s planned that his collection of postcards will be displayed at the Clark Lake Community Center. The Community Center’s mission is to preserve Clark Lake’s past and provide a place to gather.
