Small turnout for golf fundraiser doesn’t dampen seniors’ spirits

By Dave Clark

Thursday, Nov. 13, 2008 | midnight

During the past two years, the Henderson Senior Center Auxiliary has expanded its reach, hosting larger fundraisers and becoming more intimately involved with center activities beyond its original scope of assisting the meal program.

Part of that enhanced effort included the second annual golf outing at Wildhorse Golf Club on Friday. The day drew 32 people — roughly half of last year's total, which organizers attributed to the economy.

"I think people are nervous about a lot of things," auxiliary member Josie Beary said. "They're not willing to fork out $600 for golfing."

She expected the event to bring about $5,000 to the senior center — half of last year's haul. Nevertheless, she said, the golf outing was a success.

Previously the auxiliary had done many smaller fundraisers like bake sales, which were lucky to net $1,000.

"It takes a lot of effort, but the rewards are also great," Beary said.

To generate a larger turnout next year, the auxiliary is weighing the idea of asking golfers to find corporate sponsors to cover the cost.

"Maybe we'll get started a little earlier," Beary said.

Beary was motivated to join the auxiliary with her husband, auxiliary vice president Gary Beary, because of its support of the senior center's meal program, which provides meals to seniors seven days a week. Federal funding accounts for the weekday food, while the auxiliary sponsors the Saturday and Sunday meals.

"We have an awful lot of homebound people the community does not even know about," Beary said. "If not for the grants and fundraising some of these people wouldn't eat or eat well at all."

Senior Services Supervisor Sue Bobby said the auxiliary is responsible for the center being able to continue to provide a host of programs. In addition to the weekend meals, the auxiliary disburses scholarships for those unable to afford transportation to the center, among other services.

Upcoming auxiliary fundraisers include gift wrap at the Green Valley Barnes & Noble from Dec. 21 to Dec. 23, and its Valentine's Day program, where volunteers call homebound seniors and read them a light-hearted poem.

In the coming year, Beary hopes to increase the auxiliary's size of 20 active members. Next year will also bring further change as the nonprofit group seeks to become a foundation. Bobby noted this new designation will be accompanied by ample advantages.

"They would be able to access grants they can't access now," she said.

Dave Beason, 51, golfed in the tournament for his second year.

"I had a lot of fun," he said. "We just feel that it's a great cause. There's a growing need for it."

Dave Clark can be reached at 990-2677 or [email protected].