Photos by Ron Clarke
March 27, 2023
Lakehills Library Enchilada Fundraiser a delicious success
By Ron Clarke
The Bandera Prophet
Hundreds of supporters of the Lakehills Library gathered this past Saturday for the library’s largest annual fundraiser, which was held at the Lakehills Community Center.
Almost 200 meals of a traditional Tex-Mex dinner of Enchilada Casserole, Spanish Rice, beans, wine and other drinks, and homemade chocolate cake were sold. In addition, there were almost 100 silent auction items on display for bidding by the attendees and library supporters.
All the auction items were donated by local Bandera County and Lakehills business, including over $500.00 of local business gift cards on an all metal “Gift Card Cactus,” a Weber grill, local artwork and artisan pieces, and many other donated and unique items.
“Inflation is causing a challenge for any non-profit including the library. The cost of utilities, maintenance, office supplies, and even fundraising expenses has created a financial obstacle for us. This is our biggest fundraiser of the year and there is no way we could be this successful in delivering library services without the thankful donations of individuals, businesses, artists, and vendors. Our community support has been consistent, as you can see by the large crowd who is here today. It’s great to see and thank all our supporters in one place with this annual fundraiser each year. However, because of the additional expenses, we do have continual fundraising throughout the year including accepting donations on our website, our ‘First Saturday’ monthly book sales, and we do have some other events planned for raising money this year that will be new events for the library,” Lakehills Library Board President Debbie Reile said.
These new fundraisers will help support new and existing programs. One upcoming project of the library will be the providing of books to Bandera County jail inmates through a cooperative program that involves the Lakehills Library, as well as the libraries in Bandera and Medina.
Well established and existing programs can also use the extra support as expenses for these programs are on the rise as well.
“One of our most popular summer events is our Youth Reading Program, which is supported by storytelling for the younger children, and reading challenges for the older. We provide this program to approximately 150 students each summer. The program continues to keep reading and comprehension in the minds of our youth even as they enjoy the time with their friends, a good story, and the challenge of reading competitions. Keeping 150 pre-school, elementary, and middle school youth engaged is a priority for us. One of our major missions and endeavors at the Lakehills library is to support a child’s knowledge and growth. We are currently in the planning phase to offer a STEM & Science Camp, which will be for an entire week this summer. Watch our website for more information on that program geared toward science and technology for our youth,” Reile said.
Another popular program at the Lakehills isn’t for younger children, but for those wanting to learn more about how to use their new smartphone, tablet, or laptop. “Teaching Tech” is a largely one-on-one locally derived course that is a loosely structured class that revolves around questions regarding electronic devices that may “stump” newer tech users. The instructor will take questions, answer, as well as demonstrate how certain features are used on those devices. The course is becoming quite popular as everyone learns, and they are taught one-on-one with their own device.
Questions about upcoming events can be answered by visiting the Lakehills Library Website at www.lakehillslibrary.org, by calling 830-510-2777, or simply stopping by during open hours.
The library is open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and closed on Sundays.
The library is a charitable organization and tax-deductible donations may be sent to Lakehills Area Library at 7200 FM 1283, Lakehills, Texas 78063, or donations may be provided at their website.
Almost 200 meals of a traditional Tex-Mex dinner of Enchilada Casserole, Spanish Rice, beans, wine and other drinks, and homemade chocolate cake were sold. In addition, there were almost 100 silent auction items on display for bidding by the attendees and library supporters.
All the auction items were donated by local Bandera County and Lakehills business, including over $500.00 of local business gift cards on an all metal “Gift Card Cactus,” a Weber grill, local artwork and artisan pieces, and many other donated and unique items.
“Inflation is causing a challenge for any non-profit including the library. The cost of utilities, maintenance, office supplies, and even fundraising expenses has created a financial obstacle for us. This is our biggest fundraiser of the year and there is no way we could be this successful in delivering library services without the thankful donations of individuals, businesses, artists, and vendors. Our community support has been consistent, as you can see by the large crowd who is here today. It’s great to see and thank all our supporters in one place with this annual fundraiser each year. However, because of the additional expenses, we do have continual fundraising throughout the year including accepting donations on our website, our ‘First Saturday’ monthly book sales, and we do have some other events planned for raising money this year that will be new events for the library,” Lakehills Library Board President Debbie Reile said.
These new fundraisers will help support new and existing programs. One upcoming project of the library will be the providing of books to Bandera County jail inmates through a cooperative program that involves the Lakehills Library, as well as the libraries in Bandera and Medina.
Well established and existing programs can also use the extra support as expenses for these programs are on the rise as well.
“One of our most popular summer events is our Youth Reading Program, which is supported by storytelling for the younger children, and reading challenges for the older. We provide this program to approximately 150 students each summer. The program continues to keep reading and comprehension in the minds of our youth even as they enjoy the time with their friends, a good story, and the challenge of reading competitions. Keeping 150 pre-school, elementary, and middle school youth engaged is a priority for us. One of our major missions and endeavors at the Lakehills library is to support a child’s knowledge and growth. We are currently in the planning phase to offer a STEM & Science Camp, which will be for an entire week this summer. Watch our website for more information on that program geared toward science and technology for our youth,” Reile said.
Another popular program at the Lakehills isn’t for younger children, but for those wanting to learn more about how to use their new smartphone, tablet, or laptop. “Teaching Tech” is a largely one-on-one locally derived course that is a loosely structured class that revolves around questions regarding electronic devices that may “stump” newer tech users. The instructor will take questions, answer, as well as demonstrate how certain features are used on those devices. The course is becoming quite popular as everyone learns, and they are taught one-on-one with their own device.
Questions about upcoming events can be answered by visiting the Lakehills Library Website at www.lakehillslibrary.org, by calling 830-510-2777, or simply stopping by during open hours.
The library is open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and closed on Sundays.
The library is a charitable organization and tax-deductible donations may be sent to Lakehills Area Library at 7200 FM 1283, Lakehills, Texas 78063, or donations may be provided at their website.