This year's special item will cover two needs for our organization. The first is to replace our well-used lawn mowing equipment, and the second is to fund the construction of entry gates to provide additional safety for our campers and guests. Both of these items serve needs that can't be ignored.

Our current mower, a 72-inch Scag Turf Tiger, was acquired from the success of the 2006 Camp Lakeview Dinner Auction. In the thirteen years since that time, it has served us well, logging over 2,000 hours and an estimated 15,000 miles of grass cutting! That is equivalent to driving from New York City to Los Angeles, 5 times! That is a lot of grass and a lot of wear and tear. Over the last couple summers our maintenance staff did a great job of keeping the mower operational as it continued to age, but it needs to be replaced for next summer's season.

The exact replacement model hasn't been determined yet, but mowers comparable to the one we had come in at around $15,000. Therefore, that is the goal amount for tonight's special mower donation.

The second need is for gates that will be used at all of the camp entrances. Although camp is a welcoming place for all, we recognize that we live in a sinful, fallen world and should continually do everything we can to provide for the protection of the children that are entrusted to our care.

Currently, with open roads, anyone can drive through camp at any time. This does not allow for easy monitoring of who is on camp or why they are there. New entry gates will allow us to monitor that traffic, screen vehicles, and give access to the property to guests, visitors, and friends of camp.

The gates will have a pedestal with a video camera, microphone/speaker, and a keypad that will allow office staff to see who is at the gate, speak with them, and give them access to the property. The gates will also have a function which allows regular visitors to the property to key in a unique code for access to the property at any time.

Materials, systems, and installation for the entry gates will cost about $30,000; the added security for our campers and guests is priceless. Thank you for your contribution to this important addition to our property!