Lake Melvin Yacht Club
Dane, Wisconsin

    Garton: Thank you for support

    Dear Editor,

    In 2001, a local Dane resident Larry Hanson started discussing the possibility of
    creating a service club in the Dane area with some friends. The village had been well
    served by the fire department, yet there seemed to be additional needs that could be
    met. Hanson was a retired Minneapolis police officer and had previously started a
    club for fun and goodwill in Minnesota.

    The group decided to call themselves, "Lake Melvin Yacht Club" after a small pond in
    the center of the village that does not allow boating of any kind. The idea grew
    quickly and after a few months the club had a few dozen members. The goal was to
    anonymously assist those in need in the local communities of Lodi, Dane, and
    Waunakee. The enthusiasm grew so that in a few short years there were over 125
    members. Members donate $10 or more each year and many help with an annual co-
    ed softball tournament in September at Deans Park in Dane.

    The club elected Greg Garton Jr. as president and Beth Rips as vice president and
    the two have remained in those capacities ever since. Each year people nominate
    families that are having difficult times and the club responds in the form of cash,
    food, and toys to let them know the community cares about them. The names of the
    nominators and the recipients are held confidentially to protect all involved.

    There are many complimentary organizations doing great things like The Waunakee
    Neighborhood Connection, The Lodi Food Pantry, The Lodi Santa Project, and
    Joining Forces for Families. Lake Melvin Yacht Club tries to compliment their efforts.
    The club makes a big effort during the holidays, yet has had the fortune of being
    able to assist families throughout the year. The past three years they have given
    money to the Lodi and Waunakee School Food Service to put in lunch accounts that
    are empty. They have also provided direct financial assistance to the Lodi Food
    Pantry.

    This year the club will give away over $10,000 in cash, food, and gifts to residents of
    Lodi, Dane, and Waunakee. In 2008, we assisted over 30 families that were in
    financial need. This would not be possible without the great local support that these
    communities have given the club over the years. The handing out of cash often
    sparks a bit of a debate. Some feel that people are not to be trusted with cash
    support and frown upon its use. Others feel that cash provides dignity, choice, and
    an element of trust that they are willing to extend. The monies have been spent on
    car repairs, heat bills, food, gifts, rent, gas, and many other needs over the years.

    The families do not know that the assistance is coming and there have been many
    emotional deliveries over the years. We have provided the gas to get to grandma's
    home for the holidays. We have also provided the necessary car repair that allowed
    the recipient to go to work. Essentially we are a pass through organization that
    hands out 100 percent of what comes in. People also like the fact that the aid is
    coming to local people in their own community.

    If anyone knows of a family that could use some assistance they may call
    (608) 577-5187 and leave a message. We like to know the ages of the family
    members, their address, the ages and sex of the children, and a brief description of
    the hardship. We also accept volunteers to assist with the softball tournament each
    September in Dane. Thank you so much for your wonderful support of LMYC.

    Greg Garton Jr.

    President Lake Melvin Yacht Club
Molony Real Estate
PO BOX 194, Lodi, WI  53555
608-592-7306  & 608-445-8464
Website:  MolonyRealEstate.com
Email:  MolonyRealEstate@Yahoo.com
Molony Real Estate
PO BOX 194, Lodi, WI  53555
608-592-7306  & 608-445-8464
Website:  MolonyRealEstate.com
Email:  molonyrealestate@Yahoo.com
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