The Emporia Senior Center is processing some good financial news Wednesday.
The Senior Center has received $25,000 from two separate anonymous donors. President and CEO Ian Boyd says an unspecified portion of these donations have brought the Senior Center out of a deficit situation and “into the black,” although the exact scope of that situation may not be announced until next week. Funds are also being used to address programs, administrative needs and fundraising.
Boyd says the Senior Center is working to raise another $75,000 to meet immediate needs.
Boyd thanked donors and community members for their ongoing support, and he says donations of any size are needed. Residents interested in donating or volunteering can call the Senior Center at 620-343-3160.
7:40 am Wednesday: With significant donation in hand, facility hoping to reopen for specific events this month, but bingo is off until December and gala is canceled
With significant financial headwinds ongoing for the Emporia Senior Center, the organization has received some positive news.
The Senior Center is receiving a $25,000 donation and could receive matching funds, but it’s still looking to raise $100,000 total to cover operating and maintenance expenses.
Following a work session Tuesday evening and an emergency meeting Monday night, President and CEO Ian Boyd says the Senior Center Board of Directors is stepping up to help more with daily duties and will help to ensure additional oversight and documentation, including clarifying any issues with separation of duties, after the board accepted Boyd’s proposal to lay off all staff, including Boyd — who is now serving the agency in a volunteer role. A Post Office box will also be set up and a marketing committee has been established.
On the activity front, the goal is to reopen for specific activities Nov. 14, but that will not include bingo, which is canceled until at least December, and that will not include the Christmas Gala, which has officially been canceled outright. Boyd says attention will now turn to activities for Valentine’s Day and a Spring Fling.
Volunteers are also needed for different activities, including bingo once that resumes.
Residents interested in donating or volunteering can call the Senior Center at 620-343-3160.
