SENIOR CENTER FOUNDATION SEEKS SPONSORS
Everything at Gulfport’s recently accredited, (only about 180 in USA), Senior Center is growing except its funding. Actually City funding has lagged behind demand for many years. So, the people of Gulfport formed a 501c3 non-profit foundation to augment funds to help fuel the growth and to provide funding for “above and beyond” services, facilities and programs.
Given the tight economy and the consequent downward trend in City revenues, it doesn’t appear that there will be any real increases in public funding for the foreseeable future. So, the Gulfport Multipurpose Senior Center Foundation has decided to build on the Senior Center’s wide reach in the area’s senior community by offering, tax-deductible sponsorship opportunities to area businesses and institutions.
The sponsorship opportunities are designed to provide real advertising value to businesses to which the large over 50 market is an important part of their customer base and, at the same time provide substantial funding for enhanced Senior Center programming and facilities.
With over 2000 registered members who are active, independent and live without mobility and self-care barriers, the Senior Center represents a substantial customer base for prospective sponsors. Average daily attendance is about 200 with a volunteer staff of over 100. E-mail distribution is growing rapidly with a current list of over 600 members, friends, partner agencies and community businesses and organizations, including the media throughout Pinellas County and beyond.
Part of the reason, the Senior Center achieved accredited status is their extensive outreach program. All Senior Center programs are announced weekly in the Gabber that has an area circulation of over 6,000. Other outreach programs include the Senior Center Calendar of Events, informational fliers and brochures, a monthly newsletter via e-mail and a website with links the City of Gulfport site and other community websites, including the Gulfport Chamber of Commerce.
Most importantly, the proceeds of sponsorship revenues go directly to the support of the Senior Center, one of the City’s most vital resources. The Senior Center’s mission statement is: “To support the independence and increased quality of life of its participants by encouraging involvement in programs and activities that promote their health, welfare, safety and dignity.”
The Senior Center has become a clubhouse for people over 50 years of age in Gulfport and a widening area around it where they can find good friends, enjoy a sense of community, find opportunities for lifelong learning, keep abreast of current health and financial information, enjoy entertainment and keep their bodies fit in the highly popular fitness center. Active members are less vulnerable to depression, isolation and loneliness. Involvement in programs and services such as those offered by the Senior Center are known to delay the progress of disabilities and institutionalization.
There is no doubt that the Gulfport Multipurpose Senior Center needs and deserves the support of the Greater Gulfport business community. There is also no doubt that the Senior Center and the entire area senior community can best be reached through a regular sponsorship program at the Center in partnership with the Multipurpose Senior Center Foundation.
For information regarding a wide variety of sponsorship opportunities, please contact Senior Center Supervisor, Susan Frank at 727-893-2237 or e-mail her at sfrank@mygulfport.us or Senior Services Coordinator, Cynthia Dean at 727-893-1231 or e-mail her at cdean@mygulfport.us to schedule a meeting.
GOOD INFO.