The Emporia Senior Center had a successful Christmas Gala on Friday.
The event, which included a dinner, raffle and silent auction, brought in over $11,200 — more than double the goal of $5,000.
President and CEO Ian Boyd says the gala comes at a good time because the Senior Center is facing a significant financial shortfall to close out the year. Boyd says he and the center’s Board of Directors started the year with a projected $7,200 shortfall, but the shortfall swelled to over $37,000 leading into the gala, in large part because of reduced or suspended services throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
Boyd says the gala totals, combined with about $12,000 in annual proceeds from various trusts, will reduce the shortfall to around $13,800. Boyd also says the center plans to offer new services and programs for area seniors next year, with an operating budget of over $285,000 already approved for next year.
The Senior Center suffered financial headaches less than five years ago as over $100,000 was taken from the facility in 2016 and 2017. Prior director Lannie Lyman was sentenced to 17 months in prison as part of a plea agreement in 2019.
Residents interested in donating to the Senior Center can call the building at 620-340-3160.
