THE GIFT OF RENEWAL
The Sharing Our Gifts Campaign will provide the resources necessary to strengthen our ministry to youth and families by expanding our recreational offerings and creating versatile lodging options. It will also invest in three of our most beloved sacred spaces, as well as the Lake Junaluska Dam, ensuring that we continue to serve as a place of light and hope for years to come. Charitable gifts are vital to this mission, enabling us to offer Christian hospitality and transform lives through the renewal of soul, mind and body.
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Make Your Gift Today
Online
Complete the online form below.
Phone
Call the Office of Development at 828-454-6749 or toll-free at 866-256-1079.
Mail
Send your donation to the following address:
Lake Junaluska Assembly Inc.
The Office of Development
759 N Lakeshore Drive
Lake Junaluska, NC 28745
Want to give a gift that makes an immediate difference at Lake Junaluska? Support the Annual Fund.
Become a Friend of the Lake!
Many of the most beloved activities and experiences at Lake Junaluska have no natural funding source. When donors ask how they can best support the mission of Lake Junaluska, the answer is simple: give to the Lake Junaluska Annual Fund. Gifts to the annual fund provide support for year-round ministry so that staff and volunteers are equipped with resources needed to tend to the gardens, maintain the walking trail, develop spiritual growth opportunities, plan worship services and music offerings, and ensure our sacred spaces and historic building are hospitable to all who enter.
Plus, you can designate your gift to one of five areas of support, making it easy to give to what means the most to you.
Areas of Support
Where Needed Most
Your gifts provide holistic support for our mission and ministry.
Lake, Grounds & Recreation
Your gifts fund the care and preservation of our lake and dam, help tend the gardens and grounds, and maintain our beloved walking trails and recreational areas.
Ministry & Worship
Your gifts support prayer services, faith gatherings, youth ministry and other spiritual growth opportunities.
Music & the Arts
Your gifts sustain our strong tradition of music and the arts.
Buildings & Facilities
Your gifts ensure our sacred spaces and historic buildings are hospitable to all who enter.
Giving Levels
Junaluska Associates
Donors who give $250 or more annually
Lake Junaluska Associates are individuals or households who make charitable gifts to the Annual Fund that total $250 or more within a calendar year. When you become an Associate, you’ll be invited to an annual weekend in late summer that offers opportunities for connection, reunion, worship, and a first-hand look at how charitable giving changes lives every day here at Lake Junaluska.
Friends of the Lake Circle
Donors who give $500 or more annually
Charitable supporters and corporate sponsors who give $500 or more to the Annual Fund within a calendar year are recognized as members of the Friends of the Lake Circle. Charitable supporters who are part of the Friends of the Lake Circle are also recognized as Lake Junaluska Associates and invited to the annual celebration weekend.
Lake Junaluska Society
Donors who give $1,000 or more annually
Lake Junaluska Society members are leadership-level donors who are invited to special events where they learn more about how their charitable giving is making a difference, enjoy fellowship with other charitable supporters and connect with the Board of Trustees. Charitable supporters who give $1,000 or more to the Annual Fund are part of all three giving levels: Lake Junaluska Society, Friends of the Lake Circle and Lake Junaluska Associates.
CORPORATE SPONSORSHIPS
Become a Friends of the Lake corporate sponsor.
When your business or organization becomes a Friends of the Lake corporate sponsor, you help generate support for recreational opportunities at Lake Junaluska, including the beloved walking trail that encircles the lake.
Lake Junaluska has three levels of sponsorships available to businesses and organizations. These include Partnership, Patron and Friends level sponsorships. We recognize our corporate sponsors on the Lake Junaluska website, at events including our annual Friends of the Lake 5K, and around the grounds.
Brick & Bench Programs
Click on the tabs below to learn more about creating a lasting connection through naming opportunities.
Bricks engraved with names and meaningful messages line the beloved Brick Walk in The Colonnade. Many of the bricks have been given in honor or in memory of friends and family members who love Lake Junaluska. New bricks are installed annually in late summer and celebrated at an annual dedication ceremony.
A brick can be engraved and added to Lake Junaluska’s Brick Walk for a specific donation. Proceeds from your contribution will support the mission of Lake Junaluska.
Click on any of the images to view in a full-size lightbox gallery.
Honor or memorialize your loved ones on the Lake Junaluska grounds through the donation of a bench and a solid brass commemorative plaque. These benches offer a beautiful ministry to all those who visit the lakeshore, providing a place of rest and renewal.
The donation for a bench and a plaque is $5,800. Benches are placed in specific locations that have been identified as appropriate by the Assembly.
If you would like to participate in this program, please contact the Development Office at 828-454-6749 or [email protected].
In addition to the beloved brick walk and bench programs, our naming opportunities range from placing a name on a plaque inside Memorial Chapel to establishing a named endowment to support our ongoing mission.
For more information, please contact the Development Office at 828-454-6749 or [email protected].
Charitable gifts to Lake Junaluska have the power to transform and impact thousands of lives so that more youth connect with Christ and more people experience God’s renewal and peace.
The Sharing Our Gifts Campaign fuels our commitment to youth, families, and the future of Lake Junaluska. By expanding recreation, enhancing lodging, and revitalizing sacred spaces—including essential work on the Lake Junaluska Dam—we’re building a brighter future. Discover how our strategic plan translates into tangible projects and join us in making a lasting impact through your generous giving.
Preserving the Lake and Dam
The Lake Junaluska Dam, completed in 1913, is our oldest structure. We are committed to being good stewards of the lake by preserving the dam and the shoreline that surrounds it. Spanning 800 feet (550 feet of concrete and 250 feet of earth), the dam has undergone a series of upgrades and improvements throughout its history — in the 1970s, 1990s and 2010s.
Now over 110 years old, the Lake Junaluska Dam needs significant ongoing maintenance and timely infrastructure improvements. We must ensure that the dam is in pristine condition by refurbishing its spillway and gate controls. Thanks to recent transformational gifts from individual households and family foundations, Lake Junaluska has begun work on the dam’s control gates while mapping out long-range plans for infrastructure improvements.
Restoring Sacred Spaces: Lake Junaluska Cross
By far the most photographed, the most beloved and the most iconic spot at Lake Junaluska, the lighted Cross provides reassurance, hope and a daily reminder of God’s abundant love and grace.
Recent charitable gifts have funded a design phase in which a landscape architect has created a cohesive plan to restore the area. Plans include refurbishing and painting the Cross, repairing the stonework of the base, installing interpretive signage and reconfiguring the concrete and asphalt area at the foot of the structure to create a more welcoming and inviting gathering space.
Restoring Sacred Spaces: Stuart Auditorium
Since its construction in 1913, Stuart Auditorium has served as a gathering place in the heart of Lake Junaluska. The next time you step foot inside the historic space, take note of key improvements that have been made over the past year as the direct result of charitable support. New screens and projectors have been installed as well as new speakers. The back wall has been refurbished with new acoustical fabric. The audio/visual booth has been moved to the floor, opening up sight lines that were once obstructed. Future restoration work includes:
- Refurbishing the stage
- Addressing critical infrastructure needs, such as replacing broken doors, lights, seats and windows
- Painting and staining the interior
- Updating bathroom facilities
Restoring Sacred Spaces: Warren Center
The former World Methodist Council building was transformed into a multi-purpose event venue thanks to the generosity of Anne and Mike Warren. The center now hosts a variety of gatherings. Transformational gifts also have been received to restore the adjacent areas to the Warren Center, creating new ways for guests to enjoy spectacular views of the lake and mountains.
Because of the generosity of Wanda and Bill Musgrave, a lovely event lawn now provides outdoor gathering space at the lower entrance to the Susanna Wesley Garden. A paved walkway and scenic overlook have also been created through a combination of charitable giving from individuals as well as grant funding from the Haywood County Tourism Development Authority. Providing a connection to the Terrace Hotel, the winding pathway and the Chrissy Hill Scenic Overlook offer unparalleled views of the lake.
Strengthening Recreation Ministry
Lake Junaluska’s beloved Walking Trail and recreation areas provide safe gathering space for families, friends, nonprofit groups and churches to play and pray together. To strengthen this experience, plans have been developed to improve the outdoor recreation opportunities in the outdoor spaces.
In 2023, Walking Trail improvements began with the construction of a new raised bed along the Rose Walk made possible through a transformational gift. Additionally, a new sidewalk was added near the shuffleboard court.
Because of generosity early in the campaign, the shuffleboard courts were replaced, and new bocce ball and cornhole courts opened in 2024.
Thanks to a grant-funded partnership with Haywood County, the pickleball courts were renovated and opened to the public in January 2025.
Future renovations include mini-golf upgrades, updates to public restrooms and construction of an open air, covered pavilion.
Building Youth and Family Housing
Many people can trace their earliest memories of Lake Junaluska back to Shackford Hall and its surrounding area. Mountainview and Sunnyside Lodges were built to meet the needs of their time — offering dormitory-style rooms within close proximity of educational opportunities and outdoor activities. Today, those needs have changed. Groups still need to be close to sacred spaces and outdoor activities, but they require different types of room configurations.
Funds to support phase one of this project will be used to finalize the planning of the construction of new, modern cottages that have been designated to foster community in a safe and welcoming environment.
Your estate gifts help to advance Lake Junaluska’s mission to be a place of Christian hospitality where lives are transformed through renewal of soul, mind, and body.
Given the opportunity, most of us would like to make a lasting impact on the things we value and hold dear. Established in 2021, the Lake Junaluska Legacy Circle is composed of generous benefactors who have chosen to support Lake Junaluska’s long-term success by making a planned gift commitment. These charitable supporters have arranged for a gift through their will or living trust, life insurance, or other estate-related commitment.
Hear Donors' Stories
A Gift to Open Doors
“The Lake was a place where I learned, where I listened to God’s nudges, where I met new friends, and where I made new acquaintances. It’s also the place where I have made every single important decision in my life. If it hadn’t been for lab schools, I probably never would have gone the route of ordination and Christian education.
Lake Junaluska personifies Christian hospitality and transformation. I hope that my estate gift will open doors for others to grow to love Lake Junaluska as I do.”
Judy Jolly
Apex, NC
An Investment in the Future
“We’re evolving to include younger people and create intergenerational experiences through increased use of the lake for multiple activities. We are setting the course for the spiritual retreat for all people.
It’s a wonderful thing to invite people to invest now in the future of Lake Junaluska. I hope the Lake will be a place of Christian hospitality for years to come.”
Ron Clauser & Nancy Oates
Lake Junaluska, NC
A Hope for Growing Faith
“It gives us comfort to think that in the future after we are gone, something we have done may carry forth and help others in their faith walk.
We are impressed with the leadership, the integrity, and the vision of Lake Junaluska. We hope that the Lake remains not just a hospitable place but a place that people can grow in their faith and understanding of our Lord and Savior.”
Reed & Polly Shirley
Sugar Land, Texas
A Legacy of Eternal Value
“We long talked about wanting to leave a legacy that would go to something of eternal value, and that was where we got that idea that we would leave a portion of our estate to Lake Junaluska.
When you give to something it becomes part of you. We put our treasure in Lake Junaluska, and it warmed our heart to see what was being done with the support that we were giving, so our legacy gift is just a continuation of that.”
Bernie & Snookie Brown
Marietta, GA
A Special Love for the Lake
“Since Robin and I have practiced the tithing of our resources for the fifty-seven years of our marriage and with a special love for Lake Junaluska as well, we have decided that the final tithe of our assets will be for Lake Junaluska.
Thus, our gift will continue to help make Junaluska ‘a place of Christian hospitality where lives are transformed through the renewal of soul, mind and body.’ We are grateful the Junaluska Legacy Circle makes this possible.”
Bob & Robin Bowling
Cumming, GA
A Gift for a Bright Future
“For more than 50 years, Lake Junaluska has served as a retreat for our family and we treasure the multigenerational friendships that have developed here. It wasn’t a hard choice for us to support a place that has been life-changing. We hope that our legacy gift will help ensure a bright future for Lake Junaluska.”
Sally (Gray) & Eric Smith
Charlotte, NC
Lake Junaluska Legacy Circle Members
Lake Junaluska is deeply grateful to the Legacy Circle members listed below for including Lake Junaluska Assembly in their estate plans. Their estate gifts will make a lasting impact and help to sustain the mission and ministry of Lake Junaluska for future generations. Thank you! Click below to view the full list of members:
- Expand Legacy Circle Members List contentCollapse Legacy Circle Members List contentLegacy Circle Members List
Rev. W. Robert and Dr. Barbara J.* Borom
Dr. and Mrs. Robert C. Bowling
Bernie and Snookie Brown
Mr. Arch and Rev. Gina Campbell
Jimmy* and Joy Carr
Ms. Dorathy M. Chance
Mr. Ronald Clauser and Mrs. Nancy Oates
Rev. Larry and Mrs. Gail Clifton
Mr. and Mrs. Frank L. Cooke
Jack and Cynthia Ewing
Mr. Kevin FitzGerald and Ms. Cynthia L. Slaughter
Ms. Susan Folds
Rev. Sandy and Rev. Susan Giles
Dr. Paul* and Mrs. Barbara Hardin
Dr. and Mrs. Edward R. Hardin
Bobby Ray and Jill R.* Hicks
Camilla and Jay Hicks
Davis and Brenda Hook
Ken and Suzanne Howle
Ms. Flo Johnson
Rev. Judith O. Jolly
Dr. and Mrs. David S. Lawson
Dr. Janice Lemasters
Dr. Jacob* and Mrs. Libby Martinson Jr.
Ms. Jane Clark Moorman
Joe Edd and Sandi Morris
Mr. and Mrs. William Musgrave
Rev. Cecil K.* and Mrs. Ellen R. Myrick
Rev. Larry and Mrs. Myrna* Roberts
Mr. Robert E. and Rev. Kathryn W. Scarborough
John and Sandra Scott
Dr. and Mrs. L. Reed Shirley
Mr. and Mrs. Eric E. Smith
Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Spain
Mrs. Barbara Stanton
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Stark
LTC and Mrs. L. Wilson Strickhausen
Rev. Dorothy Thomas and Mr. Frank Sawyer
Dr. and Mrs. Harrison D. Turner
Mrs. Lynda H. Varner
Mrs. Marleen A. Varner
Mr. William S.* and Mrs. Jean F. Ward
Anne and Mike Warren
Mr. and Mrs. Wayne G. Wegwart
Mr. and Mrs. George WoodsAn asterisk (*) denotes that a person is deceased
The Lake Junaluska Legacy Circle was established in 2021 and recognizes current charitable supporters who are including Lake Junaluska in their estate plans. If you have included Lake Junaluska in your estate plans, but do not see your name listed above it is most likely because the Lake Junaluska Development Office has not received written documentation of your planned gift to Lake Junaluska. Please contact the Development Office to join the Lake Junaluska Legacy Circle. Thank you!
(Members List current as of 01/24/2025)
Create Your Lake Junaluska Legacy
To discuss opportunities for a planned gift such as bequest, annuities or trusts, please contact the Office of Development at 828-454-6680.
The legal name and address for planned gift documents such as a will or beneficiary form is: Lake Junaluska Assembly, Inc., 759 N Lakeshore Dr. Lake Junaluska, NC 28745.
See our Spring and Summer estate planning newsletters (PDFs in sidebar) for more information about ways to give.
- Download PDF Legacy Circle Summer 2023 Newsletter
- Download PDF Legacy Circle Spring 2023 Newsletter
- Download PDF Legacy Circle Summer 2022 Newsletter
- Download PDF Legacy Circle Spring 2022 Newsletter
- Download PDF Legacy Circle Membership Form
- Download PDF Legacy Circle Overview
- Download PDF Estate Planning Resource Tool
Browse Frequently Asked Questions
- Expand What Is Planned Giving? contentCollapse What Is Planned Giving? contentWhat Is Planned Giving?
Planned giving helps you plan your estate and charitable giving in a way that benefits you, your family, and charitable organizations whose values align with your own. Several types of planned gifts exist that not only help institutions such as Lake Junaluska but also provide tax and income benefits to you.
There are many ways you may provide for Lake Junaluska through your estate. Here are a few examples:
- Bequest: Including Lake Junaluska in your will through a bequest will reduce the size of your estate for federal estate tax purposes. Bequests can be unrestricted or designated. Types of bequests include outright, residual, percentage, or contingent.
- Trust: Establishing a trust can result in income provided to you during your lifetime and to certain beneficiaries for their lifetimes. Contributions of $100,000 or more are often used to fund the desired trust.
- Life Insurance: You can assign all rights of ownership of a current policy to Lake Junaluska and receive an income tax deduction in the year of the gift. You can assign a partially paid-up policy or purchase a new policy listing Lake Junaluska as the owner and beneficiary.
- Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA): A contract between you and Lake Junaluska which will provide a fixed annual income for life and income tax deduction benefits. Gifts ranging from $5,000 to $100,000 are usually selected to fund a CGA.
- Life Estate Agreement: Allow you to make a gift of a personal or secondary residence or family farm to Lake Junaluska. You retain the right to live in the house for life. You are responsible for upkeep, taxes, and insurance as long as you live in the home. This gives you substantial tax benefits.
- Expand How Do I Join the Legacy Circle? contentCollapse How Do I Join the Legacy Circle? contentHow Do I Join the Legacy Circle?
Whether you have already included Lake Junaluska in your estate plans or are in the process of doing so, joining the Lake Junaluska Legacy Circle is simple. Notify us of your planned gift intention by completing and returning the downloadable membership form below.*
Legacy Circle Membership Form (PDF)
* If you have previously notified Lake Junaluska of your planned gift commitment, but have not yet completed the membership form, we ask that you complete the form and provide any updated information about your planned gift. This will assist Lake Junaluska in being good stewards of your legacy gift. Thank you!
- Expand How Does Lake Junaluska Recognize Legacy Circle Members? contentCollapse How Does Lake Junaluska Recognize Legacy Circle Members? contentHow Does Lake Junaluska Recognize Legacy Circle Members?
Landscape Manager Melissa Marshall fills custom planters with greenhouse-grown cuttings to give to Legacy Circle members.
Members of the Lake Junaluska Legacy Circle will receive special recognition and will be honored in a variety of ways, including:
- Recognition on our website
- Tributes in publications such as the Annual Report
- Invitations to special events at Lake Junaluska
- Custom-made Lake Junaluska Legacy Circle planter
WANT TO LEARN MORE?
To learn more about how you can be a part of these priority projects and special initiatives, contact the Lake Junaluska Development Office at 828-454-6680 or [email protected].
TAX INFORMATION
Lake Junaluska Assembly, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Gifts are tax-deductible. Our federal tax ID number is 56-0547461.
