LAKEPORT — Quietly and almost as if incognito, a child walked in and out of the Lakeport Main Street Association (LMSA) offices last week leaving behind a blank envelope with $1,000 in cash and the request of a charitable mystery-man.
The envelope contained a letter instructing the recipient to buy tickets for a LMSA boat raffle, valued at $25 each, on behalf of local senior centers, LMSA President Barbara Breunig said.
With their donation, the mystery donor may help two causes at once. The proceeds of the raffle will go to Lakeport Fourth of July Celebration planning, as well as other LMSA funded projects, Breunig said.
The generosity secret continued its playful mystery through the weekend as it remained out of the knowledge of the senior center organizers.
With hints of smiles and looks of enjoyment, a group of patrons at the Lakeport Senior Activity Center (LSAC) worked on physical exercises Monday, unaware of news that would further brighten their days.
Their smiles stretched when news of the kindness of a local anonymous donor was revealed.
People in Lakeport can always surprise with their actions, long-time patron of LSAC Betty Marshall said. “We have a great giving community in Lakeport.”
Executive Director of LSAC Jonathan Crooks said donations help many patrons in need of food and other services.
“It”s amazing how many people step up and support the meals program,” Crooks said, “without it many seniors would just go hungry.”
There are many patrons who make just enough money that they don”t qualify for a lot of programs, Crooks said, making it difficult for them to afford healthy and well-balanced amounts of food.
The LSAC tries to help as many people as it can, but budget cuts in the last five years have made things difficult, Crooks said.
The winner is expected to be announced at the Lakeport Fourth of July Celebration, or when 2,000 tickets are sold, Breunig said. The winner will be able to pick one-of-four prizes.
Breunig was thankful for the donation and applauded the way in which it was made. “This person didn”t want the notoriety,” Breunig said “they didn”t need the credit.”
Isaac Brambila is a staff reporter for Lake County Publishing. Reach him at ibrambila@record-bee.com
