Individuals or households who make an annual charitable gift of $250 or more to Lake Junaluska are known as Lake Junaluska Associates. Each year, this group of dedicated donors gather for a special weekend to celebrate the mission of Lake Junaluska and experience the impact of our ministries.
Lake Junaluska Associates began in 1968 to assist Lake Junaluska in meeting its mission and ministry by recruiting 1,000 individuals to give $100.00 per year. It was the primary fundraising arm of Lake Junaluska and effectively served that purpose for many years. Today, Lake Junaluska Associates are integrated into Lake Junaluska’s overall advancement efforts and represent a large base of supporters who care deeply about Lake Junaluska’s mission of hospitality, transformation and renewal.
The Lake Junaluska Associates Council, comprised of dedicated volunteers, works collaboratively with the Lake Junaluska Advancement Office to undergird the organization’s mission and ministry, long-term sustainability and capital improvements. Each year, the Associates Council works to:
• Review and affirm the distribution of earnings from the Associates endowment and designated funds for capital improvement projects selected from the list approved by the Lake Junaluska Board of Trustees;
• Partner with the Office of Development to promote planned gifts to Lake Junaluska;
• Assist with fund-raising strategies and programs to promote and champion needed projects/programs;
• Support an annual celebration, recognition and appreciation event - Associates Weekend;
• Manage the annual selection of the “Chief Junaluska Award,” and assist in establishing additional awards recognition.
Due to the extension of N.C. Executive Orders regarding the size of group gatherings, no in-person events were able to take place on Saturday or Sunday of Associates Weekend 2020. North Carolina is currently in Safer at Home Phase 2 until Friday, August 7.
Although in-person group gatherings were not able to take place, Associates were able to participate in a golf tournament and experience an online concert. The Associates Council also gathered on Saturday, August 1, to announce the recipient of the 2020 Chief Junaluska Award: Rev. Dr. Robert Bowling (pictured at right with his wife, Robin).
1st Place: Fred Edwards & Rennie Clark
2nd Place: Cory Hill & Bill Hambling
3rd Place: Bill Gartman & Mary Beth Hoban
Enjoy a virtual cornucopia of Lake Junaluska Singers favorites from recent years, including music by John Rutter, George Gershwin and Florence Price. Watch the concert (YouTube video)
Because we could not gather in-person, Executive Director Ken Howle has recorded a short video to Associates, providing a ministry update and sharing about our upcoming “Be the Light” initiative. Watch the update (YouTube video)
More information about the “Be the Light” initiative will be shared in the coming weeks.
Congratulations to Rev. Dr. Robert Bowling, the recipient of the 2020 Chief Junaluska Award. The presentation of the award was made by members of the Associates Council on Saturday, August 1. Thank you to 2019 award recipients, Don and Pat Rankin, for pre-recording a creative video that was shared with Bob and his family to announce the award. Watch the announcement (YouTube video)
Thank you for your deep love for the mission of Lake Junaluska.
We look forward to future gatherings!
With a gift of $250 or more annually to Lake Junaluska, you become a Lake Junaluska Associate. Your support ensures that our mission and ministry continues to thrive!
To make a donation by phone, call the Office of Development at 828-454-6749 or toll free at 866-256-1079.
To make a donation by mail, send to:
Lake Junaluska Assembly Inc.
The Office of Development
PO Box 67
Lake Junaluska, NC 28745
For more information or to join call 828-454-6749 or email developmentoffice@lakejunaluska.com.