Campaign Frequently Asked Questions
Why begin an Advancement Campaign?
It all began with an amazing gift of $2,800,000 – from the John A. Woollam Foundation. Dr. Woollam is passionate about land conservation and philanthropy. He grew up on Pretty Lake, was a camp summer staffer, and he wanted to see the land and camp protected forever.
In exchange for his gift, the property of Pretty Lake Vacation Camp (PLVC) was placed in a conservation easement. PLVC continues to own the land, however, we have ensured that the land will never be commercially developed. Of the gift, $2,500,000 is an endowment set up for PLVC to fund campers in perpetuity. The remaining $300,000 is for operational funds to help support campers. Dr. Woollam also issued a challenge to Pretty Lake Camp.
What was the challenge?
It’s a $500,000 dollar-for-dollar matching challenge to PLVC! Dr. Woollam “loves offering a grant and seeing how much the community can do to make it happen.” For every endowment dollar raised by PLVC up to $500,000 prior to the end of 2013, the John A. Woollam Foundation will match that amount to PLVC’s endowment fund.
How did Pretty Lake Vacation Camp respond to the challenge?
The PLVC Board of Directors used this challenge as an opportunity to launch a broader campaign in support of the camp and its mission – the $2,300,000 Pretty Amazing Campaign! This three-year (2011 – 2013) campaign will meet “the challenge” and prepare Pretty Lake Vacation Camp for the next century! It includes:
- $500,000 to meet the “Challenge” match opportunity and fund campers in perpetuity.
- $500,000 in operational funds to meet “Adopt-a-Camper” needs from 2011 – 2013.
- $1,300,000 to improve and expand facilities and the property, not only for the benefit of our campers, but for thousands of people on a year-round basis.
How will PLVC improve and expand its facilities and property?
- Construct a 120′ x 60′ multi-purpose indoor facility to provide large activity space for inclement weather days at camp, flexibility for year-round programming, and improved facility offerings for retreat guests.
- Renovate our existing conference center/offices to better serve the needs of the organization, staff, and community and become more energy efficient.
- Replace 60-year-old playground equipment with new, fitness-oriented equipment.
- Construct a new outdoor sport court to be used by both campers and retreat guests.
- Renovate an adventure course to include high and low adventure challenges and zip lines that will increase flexibility in programming, and offer the community a new recreational family activity.
- Install a filtration system to improve the quality of our water
- Revamp our grounds to eradicate the erosion of parts of the Pretty Lake shoreline.
Why now?
The impetus for the campaign began in 2009 when PLVC received the financial gift and challenge match from Dr. Woollam. The challenge match extends through 2013, which is why PLVC launched this campaign at this time. In addition, as PLVC’s programming and staff have grown over the years, the current facilities have not kept pace with this growth.
What is the commitment of the PLVC Board, Campaign Cabinet and Staff Members?
We are pleased to report that 100% of board, cabinet and staff have made a financial commitment to the advancement campaign. The Board, Staff and Cabinet are in alignment with Dr. Woollam’s vision, are committed to the children of the Kalamazoo community, and are dedicated to preserving our environment and resources.
Why should I support the Advancement Campaign?
Pretty Lake Camp is committed to the futures of the children of the greater Kalamazoo area. Tens of thousands of children’s lives have been positively impacted over the past nine decades, and thousands more are in critical need of experiencing the opportunity of Pretty Lake Vacation Camp in the future.
Additionally, we will impact people of all ages on a year-round basis through our Adventure Centre and Garden and Outdoor Learning programs. We invite you to join in supporting the Pretty Amazing campaign. Your generosity today will impact children and adults for decades to come.
What is the benefit?
The campaign will allow PLVC increased flexibility with its programming – both during the summer and year-round, help increase the programming that can be provided, help PLVC take care of the incredible resources it has been given, and help care for the children of our community in perpetuity.
How long will the campaign last?
The campaign will last from 2011-2013.
What kind of gift can I give?
First, all gifts are tax-deductible to the full extent of state and federal law. Gifts can be a one-time cash gift, a multiple-year pledge commitment (paid over a three-year period) or a gift of appreciated assets.
How often will I be asked for a donation?
Your pledge serves as your annual donation for the next three years. While we welcome any additional gifts you may want to provide us with, we will not be asking you for additional financial support until 2014.
Where can I get more information?
Contact Executive Director Mitch Wilson at 269-375-1950 x111 or mitch@prettylakecamp.org or Development Director Sue Jones at 269-375-1950 x119 or sue@prettylakecamp.org.
