Selecting the perfect holiday gift for special relatives, friends, and neighbors can be challenging. This is especially true when the recipient is an older adult. However, the construction of the new Senior Center on Noble Street offers this year’s gift-givers a unique opportunity for their loved one to become a part of Westfield history. A contribution, in the individual’s name, to the Friends of the Westfield Senior Center’s ‘Capital Campaign’ will do just that.
Donations starting at the $100 level will assure that the person’s name will be visible on a wall or structure in the new Senior Center. Levels of giving include two different wall art pieces in two different locations at $100 or $500, individual windows as well as individual steps leading to the second floor at $1,000, outdoor benches at $2,500, offices starting at $5,000, and other rooms commensurate with the anticipated visibility that each location will provide. The gift-givers or recipients may specify the preferred location of a purchased window or step.
Gifts can be made ‘in memory’ of a loved one. Families may want to pool their resources with all of the children or grandchildren contributing to the Capital Campaign in their loved one’s name. Opportunities for creativity abound.
Many of the City’s older adults have lobbied long and hard for the construction of a spacious and functional Senior Center. Unfortunately, much as they might like to do so, those living on a fixed income do not have the financial means to contribute to the Capital Campaign. A donation, in their name, would be incredibly special and meaningful to them.
The initial goal of the Friends of the Westfield Senior Center is to raise money to furnish the new Center through a Capital Campaign. The types of items that will be purchased include dining tables and chairs, dishware and utensils, sofas, lounge chairs, end tables, office work stations, display cases, card and game tables, pool tables, outdoor benches and grills, patio furniture, and computer stations. Projecting longer term, a new Senior Center will allow for the expansion of existing programs and activities, as well as the development of new programs. The Friends group anticipates a variety of expenses associated with equipment and supplies that will be necessary for additional programming.
For those gift-givers who are computer savvy, ‘the gift’ may be purchased without leaving the comfort of home. The Capital Campaign pledge card can be found on the Friends of the Westfield Senior Center website at www.westfieldseniors.org. In addition, pledge cards are available in the foyer of the current Senior Center located at 40 Main Street. For more information, call the Friends of the Westfield Senior Center at (413) 729-0222 or e-mail them at [email protected].
By Tina Gorman
Executive Director
Westfield Council On Aging
