2025 YEAR IN REVIEW
Making an IMPACT L
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
ake Toxaway Charities would like to express our sincere gratitude to you, our donors and supporters, for another astounding year of charitable giving. For over 50 years your continued support has allowed us to generously respond to the vast needs of our neighbors in Transylvania County. To date you have enabled us to provide over $7 million in grants to qualified non-profit organizations!
In 2025 we were honored to fund 55 organizations doing impressive and important work for the hungry, the homeless, those in need of healthcare, the abused, and to educational systems and programs. Our vetted agencies are committed to services that will satisfy immediate needs, but more importantly, are dedicated to helping end the cycle of poverty and disability so that individuals and families may one day live independently.
Our 2025 annual gala and sports day “Wicked” was a tremendous success, raising over $1,000,000 for our mission. Other generous contributions received through the year will define 2025 as another outstanding year and will allow us to continue to serve our communities' needs throughout 2026 and beyond. Please mark your calendars for next year ’s Gala on July 18, 2026! Additionally, consider supporting the 2025 Angel Tree Giving Program, co-sponsored by the Greystone Inn, which will provide food, clothing, and gifts to over 200 families this holiday season.
We hope you will enjoy reading this review, which describes more details about the substantial impact of your contributions. Please refer to page 11 which outlines opportunities for giving, including stock donations, qualified charitable distributions from your IRA, and estate planning. We deeply appreciate your support, which sustains our mission to assist neighbors in need. Thank you for partnering with us in fostering a culture of care and compassion.
Chip Brown, Jenny Renfroe, Gary Sperduto, and Carroll Summerour
The Board of Lake Toxaway Charities
Lake Toxaway Charities is focused on offering assistance to the Hungry , the Homeless , those in need of Healthcare , the Abused , and to Education systems and programs.
Annual Sports Day and Dinner Dance Gala
Lake Toxaway Charities marked its 50th year of service with a spirited Wicked Sports Day and Dinner Dance Gala on July 19 at the Lake Toxaway Country Club. Inspired by Wicked the musical, the event brought together community members in dazzling displays of green and pink for a day of friendly competition and an evening of celebration. Beyond the lively theme and entertainment, the gala underscored LTC’s enduring commitment to supporting the needs of our neighbors in Transylvania County. The generosity of attendees and sponsors ensures that this signature event continues to strengthen our community and fund vital local programs.
Financial Highlights
2024 full year results are highlighted in the box on this page.
2025 full year results will be reported electronically in the second quarter of 2026.
Five years of financial results will be included in the electronic report that you will receive in the spring of next year.
Endowment
Through the incredible generosity of a relatively small group of residents, some of whom made pledges of up to 10 years, the endowment has grown each year. These founders have been joined by others who have made annual very large gifts. Just this summer the endowment received a half-million dollar pledge from AEC Trust, citing our low expenses and strong volunteer culture. At the end of this fiscal year we project, given stable financial conditions, that the endowment will be worth approximately 5 million dollars.
Audit
As you read in the 2024 year-end report, we undertook an audit with an accounting firm that has a specialty in not-for-profit organizations. The results were that our numbers were accurate and clean and there were no material changes to our books. However, the audit cost us approximately 13 thousand dollars and untold volunteer person-hours…money and time that could have been used for our mission. The board will not conduct an audit every year, but will from time-to-time conduct audits to verify our internal accounting.
Excludes Endowment Activity
Recognizing Excellence
Lake Toxaway Charities extends its congratulations to Through the Trees, recipient of the 2025 Nonprofit of the Year Award from the Brevard Chamber of Commerce. This honor celebrates the organization’s exceptional leadership, growth, and collaborative spirit in advancing digital equity across Transylvania County. Founded in response to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Through the Trees works to bridge the digital divide by providing refurbished technology, affordable internet access, and digital literacy training to local residents. Their innovative programs have empowered families to connect to education, healthcare, and employment resources, strengthening the fabric of our community.
In 2025–26, Augustine Literacy Project–Brevard (ALP) will provide free, one-to-one, research-based tutoring to 20–25 struggling readers across Transylvania County. Students who completed 35 or more lessons last year gained an average of 1.8 years in reading ability. With 48% of local 3rd–5th graders below reading proficiency and 62% economically disadvantaged, ALP’s mission is vital, especially since children who aren’t proficient by 3rd grade are four times more likely to drop out of high school. Support from Lake Toxaway Charities makes this impact possible by funding essential staffing and tutoring supplies that equip volunteers to change children’s lives through literacy.
Your generosity has changed the lives of hundreds of students in Transylvania County. Because of you, struggling readers have received high -quality literacy instruction and life-changing mentorship.
Children who once felt defeated now approach learning with confidence and joy.
Wendi Adair, Director
This award is a powerful affirmation of the meaningful impact that Lake Toxaway Charities donors make possible. Through your generosity, LTC continues to invest in organizations like Through the Trees, whose work transforms lives, uplifts communities, and builds a stronger, more connected Transylvania County.
Investing in our Community
At the heart of Lake Toxaway Charities is the enormous generosity of spirit of our community members who pledge their resources to make a positive difference in the lives of our neighbors who are most in need. One example of this is our volunteer Grant Assessment Committee who serve as liaisons to 4-6 agencies; regular communicating via personal visits, emails, and/or phone calls.
An annual “regular cycle” grant season has been established for efficient, organizational purposes. At the beginning of each year the Lake Toxaway Charities board determines the budget for the year’s funding based on the final financial activity of the previous year. There is both an expected and an “out of cycle” component to this dollar amount.
In January, agencies are invited to apply for funding through an online application process and are given a due date of March 1 for their submission.
The Grant Assessment Committee assesses each application, and in May meet with the board to collaboratively determine funding given the established budget.
There is no automatic funding/guarantee for continued funding. Each agency request stands on its own merit, and we say “no” if a new or previous agency does not meet our mission’s criteria.
For those agencies which are awarded grants, funds are distributed in June. For the most up-to date information on our supported agencies and how to get involved, please visit our website at laketoxawaycharities.org or scan the QR Code.
28.4%
71.6%
Emergency Funding for Hurricane Helene
Annual Grant Cycle
Lake Toxaway Charities is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization and all contributions to it and/or its endowment are fully tax deductible.
Agencies we Support
Education
Augustine Literacy ProjectBrevard
Big Brothers Big Sisters of WNC
Blue Line Foundation
Bound for Glory Camp
Blue Ridge Community College
Brevard Elementary School
Creating A Family
Davidson River School
Earthshine Nature Programs
El Centro Comunitario Hispano
Americano
Friends of Panthertown
Mountain Roots
Mountain School of Strings
Mountain Sun Community School
Neighbors in Ministry Inc. - Rise and Shine
Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute
Rosman Elementary School
Transylvania County 4H
Transylvania Community Arts Council
The Cindy Platt Boys & Girls Club
The Family Place of Transylvania County
The Mediation Center
Veterans History Museum
Through the Trees
Transylvania Heritage Museum
Young Life of Transylvania County
The Homeless
Isaac Homes Youth Shelter
Transylvania Habitat for Humanity
The Haven of Transylvania County
The Housing Assistance
Corporation The Hungry
Anchor Baptist Church
The Bread of Life
Gods Way Fellowship Food Pantry
Meals on Wheels of Brevard
North Toxaway Baptist Church
Food Bank
Quebec Community Cener
The Hunger Coalition of
Transylvania County
The Sharing House-Transylvania
Christian Ministries
Western Carolina Community Action
Healthcare
Blue Ridge Community Health Services
Blue Ridge Mountain Health Project
Brevard Lions Club
Free Rein Center
Four Seasons Compassion For Life
Lake Toxaway Community Club
MedAssist
PurplPlace
Sanctity of Life - The Center for Women
Sustainable Health For All
The Salvation Army
The Abused Crossnore Communities for Children
Pisgah Legal Services
SAFE of Transylvania County
The Children’s Center
The Cove
Thank you to our Donors
$100,000+
AEC Trust
Carla Cooper
Jorge & Marjorie Morales
Cliff & Georganne Williams
$50,000 - $99,999
Ron & Hilah Autrey
William & Caroline Bloomhall
Bart & Elaine Boyer
Kevin & Vicki Burkhart
Randy & Ann Fowler
Mike & Taryn Galvin
Bruce & Anne Harrell
Marshall & Susan Larsen
Mrs. Bill Minnich
Randy & Patsy Norton
$25,000 - $49,999
Anonymous
Robert & Brenda Barkley
Tom & Jean Dodson
Rick & Denise Guthy
Steve & Bonnie Knier
Mark O'Hara
Brian & Deb Singleton
Bobby & Sheila Weil
Jeff & Elisha Zander
$10,000 - $24,999
Glenn & Sherri Austin
Doug & Sally Bailey
Terry & Judith Bangs
Robert Buchholz
David & Joni Burden
Donnie & Sara Chapman Jr
Robert Coningsby
Jack & Joy Davis
Danita Dickman
Mimi & Peter Elder
Nancy & Lee Ellis
Robert & Marilynn Evert
Edmond & Thea Fitzgerald
Linda Garner
Steve & Stacey Garner
Michael & Kendall Harrell
Carter & Susan Hopkins
Harris W Hudson
Tyson & Gail Lykes
Allan & Grace McArtor
Daniel and Amy McMorrow
Mark & Leslie Medinger
Mark & Marcia Miller
Morgens West Foundation
Russ and Nancy Morley
Wilfred & Rita Olschewski
Steve & Deborah Rogers
Gary & Deann Sadowski
Sheridan Road Charitable Foundation
*Giving Period October 2024 - September 2025
Shuford Family Trust
Robert Sorgini
Jeff & Mary Swain
Clay & Lisa Sykes
Mark & Kris Tummillo
Martin & Linda Vaughan
Laura Austin & Kit Whitehurst
Roy & Mary York
$5,000 - $9,999
Sally Allen
David & Lisa Baker
Robert & Betty Balentine
Lance & Shelley Bennett
Larry & Donna Bradner
Angela Brav & Tony Bulak
Fred & Sara Jean Burke
Harry & Nancy Jane Bush
Mark & Olivia Clark
Chip & Edith Dixon
Bob & Caroline Donohue
William & Sally Easley
George & Lisa Etheridge
Peter & Jane Fox
Frank & Wynell Garrity
Robert & Mary Anne Hamilton
Scott & Jane Hancock
Fred & Cathy Hawley
Bob & Kathy Heller
Bob & Cindy Keane
Lake Toxaway Company
Philip & Cheryl Leone
Mac & Connie Leppard
Patrick & Amy McCarter
Frank & Elizabeth Medici
Richard & Mo Mitchell
Ned & Ginny Moore
James & Margaret Morris
Mountain Falls Resort
Will & Lynne Nelson
Scott & Anne Perper
Karen Phillips
Doug & Patty Probst
Drew & Kellie Prusiecki
David & Katherine Reeves
Andy & Jenny Renfroe
Art & Cathy Rollins
Glenn & Karen Simpson
Dean & Bronson Smith
Gary & Susan Sperduto
Lori Pheasant & Gray Stevens
Thomas & Jane Suggs
Robert & Jane Toney
Connie Turner
Amanda Martin
Mark & Kris Visk
Allie & Richard Walker
Julie Walters
Roma Wehde & Tom Kennedy
$2,500 - $4,499
Anonymous
Dennis & Kathy Berry
Barry & Cindy Bishop
Melba Bishop
Robert & Claudia Brockett
Chip & Leslie Brown
Rich Cauthen & Wes Kennedy
Joanne Cheatham
Duane & Patricia Crowley
Steve & Lori Delaney
William & Susie Deyo
Jim & Jo Ditzel
Dwight & Ann Duke
George & Elke Fetterolf
Christopher & Pauline Foster
John & Julie Fox
John & Ruth Giordano
Chip & Ruth Goldsmith
Humberto & Maria Gonzalez
Jim & Lauren Grien
Jim & Stacey Hamilton
James & Peggy Henderson
Terry & Claire Honan
Tee & Sherry Hooper
Bob Hopson & Lori Duff
Quint & Kim Jardine
Kirk & Carrie Kinsell
Timothy & Nancy Lawler
Robert & Christine Lipscomb
Fred & Mary Pat Martin Jr.
Ken & Sandy McCoy
Donald & Judy Molitor
Scott & Lisa Morgan
Bill & Joanne Nolan
Brittain Pinckney
Lou & Mary Jean Risi
Charles Roberts
Forest & Bambi Robinson
Bill & Liz Serravezza
Ryan & Amanda Stahl
Frank & Susan Stark
Peter & Diane Wagner
Don & Katie Weir
Jeannette Wilkes
Larry & Yeardley Williams
Stephen & Cynthia Wood
Anne Zimmerman
$1,500 - $2,499
Alex & Lisa Alexander
Josh & Caroline Bogen
David & Laura Bourne
Robert & Diane Brady
Randy & Kim Cain
Sarah & Tyler Chappell
Dana & Cat Christianson
John & Betty Crowe
Fred & Betty Devitt
Chip & Mishew Edwards
Jim & Tara Elgass
Chip and Rebecca Freeman
Kenneth & Mardale Gustke
Bill Hackney
Steven & Kim Hamilton
David & Susan Harker
John & Julie Heinitsh
Douglas & Barbara Hill
Jackson Wine and Alex Ivers
Jack & Shirley Kaplan
Sally King
Howard & Marilyn Krone
James Mahan
Dennis & Amy Mitchell
James & Becky Myers
Jeff & Michelle Neville
John & Mish Nichols
Keith & Deborah Oates
Charles & Anne Pierce
Don & Libby Roberts
Gary & Diane Roberts
Joel & Michelle Shaw
Alden & Laura Sherman
Michael & Marion Shields
Charles & Jeanne Simon
Steve & Marcy Sloan
Sam & Trish Smith
Louise Spencer
Jonathan & Alisa Talisman
Mike & Bonnie Vandegrift
Greg & Sarah Wheeler
Thom & Suzy Ruth Young
$1 - $1,499
154 additional and very appreciated supporters.
Supporters who have contributed and/or pledged to
The Endowment: Community Giving Fund
AEC Trust
Sally Allen
Ron & Hilah Autrey
Carla Cooper
Kevin & Elizabeth Dice
Sandra Dillon
George & Lisa Etheridge
Tom & Sue Fazio
Mike & Taryn Galvin
John & Ruth Giordano
Bill Hackney
James & Peggy Henderson
Carter & Susan Hopkins
Ken & Sandy McCoy
Daniel & Amy McMorrow
Jorge & Marjorie Morales
Scott & Anne Perper
Deb & Brian Singleton
Gary & Susan Sperduto
Toby & Carroll Summerour
Robert & Jane Toney
Gail Watson
Cliff & Georganne Williams
Community Impact
Through its partnership with Lake Toxaway Charities, The Family Place continues to strengthen families, build resilience, and create spaces where children can thrive. Support from LTC has helped sustain and expand the organization’s core programs: Circle of Parents, Playgroups, and Open Play, which foster early learning skills while building confidence and connection among parents and caregivers.
Following Hurricane Helene, LTC’s commitment extended well beyond funding. Representatives visited The Family Place’s Brevard site, helped maintain operations, funded a new HVAC unit, and provided essential supplies for families in need. LTC volunteers have also joined The Family Place at community events such as Halloweenfest and the Festival of Lights, helping the organization reach new families and strengthen community ties.
In the past year, The Family Place served nearly 1,700 adults and children across its two locations, including 432 participants in Circle of Parents, 377 in Playgroups, and 1,206 in Open Play. In Rosman, where access to early childhood programs is limited, the organization reached 173 adults and 259 children thanks to LTC’s support.
Each of these families represents a story of connection and growth. As one parent shared,
The Family Place is my reset, a place where I can breathe, get support, and where my kids can just be kids.
2025 was a big year for Isaac Homes with the purchase and renovation of a property ideally located in Rosman near the middle and high schools. This new property, named The TenTwentySix Youth Hub (1026 Pickens Hwy) and opening soon, is being renovated to include showers, laundry facilities, a kitchen, meeting and homework rooms to be available to under served teens without stable home situations. We are grateful to Lake Toxaway Charities and other foundations for this opportunity to provide an after 3pm safe space with a meal, recreation and garden opportunities as well as clothes and hygiene supplies.
Four Ways to GIVE
Volunteer Opportunities
There are many opportunities to enrich your life. Contact us to explore any of these options:
• Work with an agency we support
• Serve on the Grant Assessment Committee
• Help with general administrative tasks
• Assist with Annual Gala
• To learn more about these opportunities contact Jenny Renfroe, Board Vice Chair, at jennyrenfroe@comcast.net
Lake Toxaway Charities
• These gifts will fund the 2026 Operating Budget
• These non-directed gifts support 501(c)(3) agencies in Transylvania County
• Write your check payable to Lake Toxaway Charities, and mail to PO Box 163, Lake Toxaway, NC 28747
• For details on transferring gifts of stock, contact Jenny Renfroe, Board Vice Chair, at jennyrenfroe@comcast.net
Planned Giving
• Think ahead! Consider including Lake Toxaway Charities in your will.
• Your planned gift may be credited to you, in memory of another, or remain anonymous at your request.
• Planned gifts should be made to “Community Giving Fund - The Endowment of Lake Toxaway Charities,” and cite Tax ID #56-1882460 and mailing address PO Box 163, Lake Toxaway NC 28747
• For more information or help making a planned gift contact Gary R. Sperduto. Text or call 404-694-0233
The Endowment: Community Giving Fund
• These gifts will sustain LTC into the future
• Write your check payable to Lake Toxaway Charities and use the memo line to specify “for endowment.”
• To learn more about the endowment contact Gary R. Sperduto, Endowment Chair. Text or call 404-694-0233
What is the purpose of the endowment and how is it funded?
The endowment, named the Community Giving Fund, was established for the express purpose of growing funds so that across time Lake Toxaway Charities may become selfsustaining. It may not always be possible to capture as many volunteer hours of our Lake Toxaway Estate residents. It is the hope that if a paid director or other paid assistance becomes necessary, funding for those salaries can be provided by the earnings of the endowment.
The endowment has been started by extraordinary gifts and pledges by a few residents of Lake Toxaway Estates. As time goes by, it is recognized that future funding drives may be necessary.
