By Kevin Greer
Lakeside Communications Manager
Lakesider Jake Nees may not have been a member of the Lefelar family, but the bond was very strong. When Nees was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident on Aug. 6, 2023, at the young age of 27, Don Lefelar knew he had to do something to honor his friend.
A few days passed and Lefelar, a retired United Methodist pastor and attorney, was coming up empty. He woke up one morning and establishing an endowment in Nees’ memory just kind of popped into his head.
“It’s a God thing,” Lefelar said on how he came up with the idea. “This is a way to keep Jake’s memory alive, do something good for Lakeside and provide some education about first responders. He called us Uncle Don and Aunt Mary Lou, so we were very close.”
The Jake Nees First Responder Educational Endowment Fund will sponsor educational programs about safety, first responders, veterans, post-traumatic stress disorder, organ transplants and other related topics.
“I think the endowment does a lot of things,” Lefelar said. “It is for Jake’s memory, and he was a great kid who would do anything for people. I want to keep that alive. I gave some generalities for program ideas, but I want the people who are involved to have a say.”
Nees came to Lakeside every summer with his parents, Paul Nees and Deb Anderson. During the 2017 season, Nees worked as a Lakeside Security Intern prior to his senior year at the University of Mount Union. After graduation, he served as an adult probation officer for the State of Ohio and an undercover narcotics officer. He served as a Deputy Sheriff in Summit County for just a couple months until his untimely death.
Nees also held security jobs at Blossom Music Center and MGM Northfield Park, where his dad was a fire official. Even though the casino is a large facility, they crossed paths many times during their shifts.
Nees donated 11 different organs to out of state recipients. One of the recipients was a 15-year-old who received Nees’ heart.
“That’s something good coming out of it and people need to hear that,” Lefelar said. “I think the topics and the person Jake was are important.”
Lefelar isn’t wasting time getting the endowment started. Over half of the $80,000 goal has already been reached to begin scheduling programs for the 2024 Chautauqua season. Lefelar would like it to be fully funded by April 15, 2024, which would have been Nees’ 28th birthday. To donate, GIVE ONLINE by choosing the Jake Nees First Responder Endowment fund or designate “The Jake Nees First Responder Endowment” on the memo line of your check and make it payable to the:
Lakeside Chautauqua Foundation
236 Walnut Avenue
Lakeside, OH 43440
Lefelar is no stranger to fundraising. He was responsible for raising money during his many years as a pastor in inner-city churches on the east side of Cleveland. He and his wife have given generously to Lakeside’s education program by setting up an Chautauqua Lecture Week Endowment Fund.
“We love Lakeside and Jake,” Lefelar said. “We’re trying to get the word out and I’m continuing to contact people individually. I’m also working on some friends of Jake, Deb and Paul who have not been to Lakeside. I think the educational programs will be reveal much about first responders that will be new and interesting.”
