Rotary grant funds SASi painting projects

SANDPOINT — A generous donation from Sandpoint Rotary has led to the sprucing up of the Sandpoint Senior Center. 

The $10,000 donation was presented to Sandpoint Area Seniors, Inc. by Emma Keverkamp, former president of Sandpoint Rotary, earlier this month. 

This donation allowed SASi to paint the exterior of the building, giving it a much-needed facelift, Lisa Bond, SASi development director, said. 

"This generous donation from Rotary was instrumental in helping us realize a project that was beyond our usual means, but was also a crucial item on our wish list," Bond said of the donation. 

SASi has been a cornerstone of the community for over 50 years, providing a place for the aging population to find companionship, nourishment, and education. The community's support has been instrumental in the organization's continued service to the community, Bond said. 

Like many senior centers in the region, she said the Sandpoint facility is experiencing significant gaps in funding to carry on even the most basic components of its mission. To continue to operate, the center relies on the generosity and compassion of community donors.  

"We are facing a funding gap in the coming year due to rising food costs, increased competition for nonprofit financing, and less support from our governmental allotments," she said. 

Among programs that require critical community support is the center's meal delivery program, which provides nutritious, home-delivered meals, complementing meals served on site.  

"Many individuals rely on our programs, and we hope that the community will continue to remember us in their giving this year," Bond said. "Please remember the Sandpoint Area Seniors as we strive to keep or programs alive and well in the community." 

The community is invited to join the center's staff and members at the facility, located at 820 Main St., for lunch from Monday to Thursday. There is a suggested donation of $7 for the meal for those 60 years of age and above.