The Lorain Lighthouse Foundation has had a tremendous response for our request for donations to purchase a new boat.  As we mentioned, we needed to raise $75,000 to purchase the boat ($64,569) and motor ($12,087).    We were able to secure a loan from Buckeye Community Bank which allowed us to pay the deposit required to start the manufacturing of the boat to meet our April delivery date.

Individual donations to date are $6,060 from 67 donors; the amounts ranged from $10 to $1,000 and we appreciate each and every one of those donations.  We want to send a heartfelt THANK YOU to all those who donated.  We are so appreciative of your support.

Although we were making progress toward our goal through individual donations, we still needed to raise another $70,000.  Efforts continued as we wrote grant requests and contacted organizations that might help our cause.

We are very pleased to announce we have received two grants from Lorain County organizations.  In late February, we were awarded a $30,000 grant from the Lorain County Visitors Bureau.  Then, in March, we received a $40,000 grant from The Black River Education and Wellness Foundation.  We are grateful for, and appreciate, the trust these two organizations put in our Foundation and its members to continue our mission to preserve the historic Lorain Lighthouse for future generations to enjoy.

Combined with your donations, we have reached our goal in receiving $76,060 in donations and grants.  We have also paid off the loan from Buckeye Community Bank – without this loan we would not have been able to order the boat in a timely manner. Any additional donations received from the public will be earmarked toward purchasing needed accessories for our new workboat.  The boat was delivered on May 10 and is now being readied for our use.