After a fundraiser, individual donations, and a grant from CKEnergy, the Rocky Senior Center has successfully reached its $20,000 fundraising goal.
“It's wonderful to know we have so much community support,” Rocky Senior Center site manager Lola Hart said.
The goal, which had reached its halfway point late last month, was set in order to allow the center to continue operating their normal hours and prevent them from only opening up four days a week.
In a recent news release by the center, they thanked CKEnergy for providing them with a grant of $5,000 that the center could use for food and supplies.
“Thanks also goes to United Supermarkets in Cordell and Clink’s Supermarket in Hobart for donating the food for the Indian taco dinner fundraiser held last month on Sunday, July 18, and Melton’s Janitorial Supply in Hobart for donating the paper goods,” the release said. “We appreciate everyone who came out to eat and volunteer and support the Rocky Senior Center at the dinner.”
The center also thanked area citizens “for their generosity and support that allowed the Rocky Senior Center to meet its fundraising goal of raising $20,000.”
The center’s recent Indian taco dinner fundraiser brought in $4,835.75. This partnered with individual donations allowed the center to reach its halfway point before crossing its finish line with the help of CKEnergy.
While Hart said they are in the clear for now, she said that the center is always in need of more funds, and donations are accepted at any time.
While funds may always be needed, the center has now pulled its focus to continue operating business normally and currently has no plans for any other fundraisers at this time.
“We're continuing with business as usual, serving our congregate participants at the meal site and our homebound participants through meal deliveries Monday through Friday,” Hart said.
The Rocky Senior Centers serves participants onsite, and volunteers deliver meals to homebound individuals.
Seniors come from surrounding communities, including Hobart, Cordell, Sentinel, Cloud Chief, and Clinton. For many, this noon meal is the only meal they will eat during the day and their greatest source of socialization.
“We couldn't have done this without the support of our local surrounding communities and our social media community,” Hart said.
If you or someone you know is interested in donating to the center, you can do so by mailing a check to 600 Main St Rocky, OK 73661 or by stopping by the Rocky Senior Center from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Digital donations can be made through Venmo (@rocky-seniorcenter) or CashApp ($RockySeniorCenter).