LAKE MERRITT BREAKFAST CLUB
Sponsor of Children's Fairyland and Necklace of Lights, LMBC is a social/service organization promoting and preserving Lake Merritt, the surrounding Lakeside park and Oakland's unique history. First meeting was January 5, 1933. Every Thursday from 7:00-8:30 a.m., members and guests meet at the Lakeside Park Garden Center, 666 Bellevue, in Lakeside Park. We are from the professional, civic and business community and gather to exchange greetings, network, and hear local, national or international speakers discuss topics of significance - today's economy, environment, culture, Oakland, and the world. LMBC is one of Oakland's ultimate boosters, with members from Alameda and Contra Costa Counties - from Mayors and City Council Representatives, movers and shakers in the legal, business, and arts communities - who have played an active part in Oakland and its continuing growth. Members sharing breakfast and animated conversation are deeply involved in the business and good works of this “City on the Sunny Side of the Bay.” 2022 marks the 89th Anniversary of the Lake Merritt Breakfast Club; Sarah Kidder, LMBC President. Prospective new members are encouraged to contact us at ami009@hotmail.com or leave a message on our voice mail line: at (510) 482-1276. Virtual / Zoom meetings during COVID WEBSITE : https://www.lmbclub.org Overview of history, traditions and projects. Interview with Rob Stewart, Executive Director. In-person meetings will resume post-covid.
Lake Merritt Breakfast Club Charitable Foundation Founded in 1973, The mission of the Lake Merritt Breakfast Club Charitable Foundation(LMBCCF) is to develop, manage and disburse charitable funds in support of programs, maintenance projects and capital projects in and about Lake Merritt and Lakeside Park. In 1948, the Lake Merritt Breakfast Club (LMBC) sponsored the creation of Children's Fairyland in Lakeside Park. The LMBCCF provides continuing financial support for the world famous children's attraction. Over $213,000 has been contributed for various projects in Children's Fairyland. In the 1980s, the LMBC and LMBC Charitable Foundation raised over $1.6 million for the restoration of the landmark, "Necklace of Lights" surrounding Lake Merritt. The foundation has also supported The Sensory, Japanese, and Mediterranean Gardens; The Oakland Municipal Band concerts; and the restoration of the 17th Street Dock on the shores of Lake Merritt, among other projects. The Foundation is incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation (Federal I.D.), and allocates 100% of all contributions in support of its mission and as directed by donors making restricted contributions. An eleven-member Board of Directors governs the Foundation. |
Lake Merritt Lamppost Restoration. Sponsored by LMBC.
Billy Wilkes 2021 LMBC President, Restoration Organizer. Photos, music, movie by John Kirkmire. © 2021 lakemerritt.org & LMBC. Volunteers Needed -- Call 510-534-0559 for more info Project involves clearing graffiti, cleaning poles and base, and painting pedestals of 176 ornate lampposts that support the "Necklace of Lights" around Lake Merritt. The original Lampposts were installed in 1925 along with the Necklace of Lights. Most lampposts have two dedication plaques attached, some are from the 1925 inaugural lighting, others are from restoration donors in 1986. The NOL could be seen nightly from 1925 until 1941 when it was turned off at the start of World War II. The NOL was then abandoned until the 1980's when the Lake Merritt Breakfast Club, inspired by a talk from Evelyn Jewett, decided to start a drive to restore the Necklace of Lights. Evelyn Jewett was the daughter of Senator Knowland and also publisher of the Oakland Tribune which helped publicize the NOL restoration until it was completed in 1987. 2025 will be the 100th anniversary of the Necklace of Lights. Profiles of LMBC Lamppost Restoration volunteers from 5 different decades. |
2020 Guest Speakers (in-person meetings stopped after March 12)
2019 Guest Speakers below
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2019 Quacker covers
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2018 Quacker covers
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