Lawson Center/Community Foundation Collaboration Example of How a Non-Endowed Fund Works > Chautauqua Region Community Foundation

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Lawson Center/Community Foundation Collaboration Example of How a Non-Endowed Fund Works
Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Chautauqua Region Community Foundation Executive Director Randy Sweeney had the opportunity recently to take an impromptu tour of the Lawson Boating Heritage Center in Bemus Point. The tour was led by Anthony Hopfinger, President of the Board of Trustees of The Lawson Center, Inc.

"The facility looks great, and I cannot wait to return and see the finished product," Sweeney said. "Those who have been to Bemus Point in the past and haven't been there recently would be pleasantly surprised by the current state of the building."

The Lawson Boating Heritage Center on Chautauqua Lake Inc. has painstakingly restored the former L-S Aero Marine, a 92-year-old lakefront boat showroom and ship's chandlery at 73 Lakeside Drive, Bemus Point, with the goal of showcasing Chautauqua Lake's rich boating heritage.

Hopfinger showed Sweeney the newly updated basement of the building, as well as the updated and remodeled first and second floors.

The Chautauqua Region Community Foundation was home to a Non-Endowment Fund that was being utilized by the Lawson Center group to collect funds used towards the revitalization of the building.

The mission of The Lawson Center is to preserve the boating history and the physical presence the Lawson family has established on Chautauqua Lake, educate and enrich people's lives through this reflection of the past, and reach out to people of all ages by providing historic and educational boating exhibits. A major function of The Lawson Boating Heritage Center will be presenting classes with workshops, as well as teaching the traditions and skills of the past with respect to boat building and restoration.

The Lawson Center was established by eight local businessmen and boating enthusiasts dedicated to its stated mission and success. The Lawson Center opened its doors to the public this past spring, with a formal Grand Opening still scheduled for later this summer. This spring, the Lawson Center also kicked-off their Three Year Capital Campaign. Complete museum planning, membership opportunities, and fundraising details can be found by visiting the Center's website: www.thelawsoncenter.org.

For more information about the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, call (716) 661-3390 or visit www.crcfonline.org. The Community Foundation can also be found on Facebook.

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