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