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Council Approves Partnership with ‘Embrace the Lake’ Non-Profit

November 26, 2025/Newspaper Staff/

Litchfield City Council Meeting | Nov. 20, 2025

Article Summary: The City Council passed an ordinance authorizing the acceptance of funds from “Embrace the Lake Inc.,” a newly formed 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of Lake Lou Yaeger.

Embrace the Lake Key Points:

  • New Organization: Embrace the Lake is a new non-profit created to raise funds and advocate for Lake Lou Yaeger.

  • Ordinance Passed: The council approved an ordinance formally authorizing the city to accept funds from the group, a step required for the group’s IRS status.

  • Goals: The group aims to launch a website, accept online donations, and pursue grants for lake amenities and sustainability.

A new non-profit organization dedicated to the future of Litchfield’s primary water source received official recognition from the City Council on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025.

The council voted to approve an ordinance authorizing the acceptance of funds from Embrace the Lake Inc. The 501(c)(3) organization was formed by resident Lee Hyde to support preservation and community engagement efforts surrounding Lake Lou Yaeger.

Hyde addressed the council, explaining that the new entity provides a vehicle to drive donations and grants that might not be available directly to the city.

“We need a different type of vehicle to really drive the type of donations and grants… that we need in order for us to really have an impact,” Hyde said.

He outlined plans for a new website that will feature news, photo submissions, and an easy mechanism for online donations. Hyde emphasized transparency, stating that donors will know exactly how their money is being used to improve the lake.

City Administrator Breann Vazquez clarified that the ordinance does not bind the city to any specific financial obligations or create an agency relationship. It simply formalizes the city’s ability to accept donations, which is a requirement for the non-profit’s annual filings.

“We are very excited to partnering with Embrace the Lake and we’re excited to see what we can achieve,” Vazquez said.

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