Lake Youth Foundation

The Lake Youth Foundation was formed in 2005 by Lake of the Woods residents to help support the youth in our community.  LYF is an non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation dedicated to funding programs that promote the values of community service, citizenship and leadership.

Our youth need you! Your contributions or voluntary service to LYF means a great deal to us and even more to the young people who benefit from our foundation. Through these contributions - individuals, organizations and businesses can promote a brighter future for our youth. Your generosity will help us sponsor educational programs and fun family events for the Lake of the Woods community and, at the same time, help LYF raise funds to support our scholarship program.

Mailing Address:     P.O. Box 964, Locust Grove, Virginia 22508
Email Address:        info@lakeyouth.org
Phone Number:       540-972-0083

A financial statement is available upon written request from the Virginia Office of Consumer Affairs.

Connie Buttimer, President - Connie is a founding member and was elected as LYF's President in 2009. She is the coordinator for LYF's annual "Visit With Santa", the LOW Lioness Youth Outreach representative, and the coordinator for the Children's Butterfly Garden sponsored by the LOW Garden Club. As an Air Force wife for 27 years, Connie has been involved in many activities pertaining to children (Scout Leader and Leader Trainer, PTA President, Treasurer and VA PTA Life Member, and several LOWA Committees). She is the mother of two sons and one daughter, and is now the proud grandmother of six grandchildren!

Mary Lou McFarland, Vice President - Mary Lou was elected as LYF's vice president in August 2011. She has been an LYF board member since 2007 and is a former teacher who has worked with children at the library, Childhelp, and here in Lake of the Woods.  She coordinates and teaches the Super Sitter classes that train LOW students in proper babysitting skills.

Lee Crowell, Secretary - Lee is a founding member and served as LYF's Secretary from 2005 to 2009.  She was re-elected as Secretary in October 2010. Lee is a member of the Executive Board of the Lake Preschool Cooperative and formerly served as a member of the Youth Activities Committee (2003 - 2010) and the CYA (2010 - 2011).

Terry Hileman, Treasurer - Terry is a founding member and has served as LYF's Treasurer since 2005.  He enjoys participating in the LOW Independence Day Parade and building boats for the annual cardboard boat regatta. Terry has been a LOW Lions Club member since 2006 and is a VIP (volunteer) at the Chancellorsville Battlefield Visitor Center with his son Nathan. He is also an adult volunteer for the Orange County High School 4-H & Jr. B.A.S.S. Federation Nation Chapter (OCHS Anglers) with his son Jason.

Chris Carr, Director - Chris became a LYF director in 2010 and is a retired high school English teacher with 30 years experience. She is much interested in promoting and providing positive experiences for the youth of our community. Her daughter, son-in-law and three grandchildren reside at LOW.

Diane Hileman, Director - Diane is a founding member and served as LYF's President from 2006 to 2009. She started the cardboard boat regatta in 2005 and it has become a very popular event at LOW. Diane also volunteers at the Chancellorsville Battlefield Visitor Center with her son Nathan. Many of you know Diane from working at the front desk at the Holcomb building.

Lois Powell, Director - Lois is a founding member and is the chairperson for the LYF scholarship program. She is a retired teacher of 25 years who taught Writing and Social Studies. Lois is also the chairperson of the LOW Lions Club Scholarship Committee. She was the recipient of the Outstanding Service Award in 2009.

Hank Lewis - Hank was LYF's Vice President from 2009 to 2011 and was the coordinator for LYF's Annual Children's Fishing Tournament. He has been appointed to the Orange County Youth Commission and served as an alternate on the LOW Community and Youth Activities Committee (CYA). Hank was the School Safety Resource Officer for the 2nd District in Washington DC and was director of the annual School Safety Patrol Parade. He also founded the Fun Bunch in 2006 and is still very active with the group.

Mary Gildersleeve - Mary is a homeschooling mom (for her youngest three children), freelance writer and hand-knit designer. She moved to the Lake in June 2009 and is active with the LOW Players as well as the Catholic homeschooling group in the area. She was an LYF director from January 2010 to September 2010 and was Secretary for part of her tenure.

Bob McFarland - Bob was an LYF Director from 2008 to 2009 and was the manager for the LOW Players.

Melanie Philipp - Melanie was a founding member and served as LYF's Vice President from 2005 to 2008.  She also served on the LOWA Board of Directors and the LOW Youth Activities Committee (YAC).

Marion Pronk - Marion was a founding member and, for the last 20 years, has been a manager and director for the LOW Players. She is also instrumental in organizing and directing the "Mini" Drama Camp.