Providing meals for seniors
Now called the “Luxury Lock-Up Event,” it takes the place of the center’s former Jail and Bail Lock-up where prominent citizens in the community were “locked up” at the center and encouraged to raise funds for the Food Bank program in order to earn their “release.”
Director Annie Hepburn decided to give the fundraiser a fresh take. Rather than becoming a temporary “jailbird,” those who agreed to help the cause were asked to pick up donor packets and spend the next two months collecting donations.
The fund drive culminates on April 27 with a whimsical celebration of the total amount collected and those who helped to make it happen. That’s where the luxury part comes in. The event will include a chance for some pampering, stress relieving amenities, snacks and beverages – in other words, luxury as opposed to jail time.
“This is a new event for the Senior Center. We used to do the Jail and Bail, but that was dwindling away,” said Hepburn, adding that many people didn’t enjoy the prospect of calling their friends, co-workers and family members on the spot for money.
The bottom line is that both events – the former and the new – raise money for an important cause. Thirty-one people picked up packets in an effort to help. Hepburn said the fundraising goal is $10,000 and that amount could make a huge difference.
“Food Bank is crucial in helping bridge the gap between what it costs to provide a meal, and what we receive from funding and client donations. For every dollar spent at Food Bank, we receive approximately $14 in product value back,” Hepburn said.
While raising funds for the Food Bank is always important, she said, during the months of March and April a generous grant through the Food Bank provides a 10 percent match to all of the money collected.
Besides money generated through fundraisers, the center receives county, state and federal funds along with client donations for its food services. Here are the statistics, including from the previous year (October 2015 to September 2016):
∫ 96,410 meals served
∫ 77,609 through Meals on Wheels
∫ 18,801 through congregate meals
∫ For every $1 spent at the Food Bank, the center receives $14 in product value back
∫ During March-April, the Food Bank will provide a 10 percent match on all money collected
∫ $10,000 – total fundraising goal
If anyone is interested in making a donation, funds can be dropped off at the senior center. Donations may also be mailed to: Alpena Senior Citizens Center, 501 River, Alpena 49707. For more information, call the center at 356-3585.