Spike in utility cost, upgrades hasten senior center fundraising
CONNIE SWINNEY • PICAYUNE STAFF
MARBLE FALLS — Rising utility bills and building projects at the Senior Activity Center have prompted officials to make a push for more fundraising.
According to center treasurer Margie Phipps, the latest electric bill topped $600, when budgeters were used to seeing a $400 bill this time of year.
“We do pay quite a bit. Last year we used gas [for heating],” she said. “This is the first time we’ve had all electric for the winter time.”
PHOTO: The Marble Falls Senior Activity Center is making a push for more fundraising and donations as winter utility bills and pending building upgrades begin to mount. The center’s next fundraising event is a chili dinner with cornbread and sides from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Feb. 6. at the center, located at 1200 Seventh St. To donate or volunteer at the senior center, call 830-693-5611 or 512-755-0377.
In November, center officials paid off a note for a building addition, which helped reduce some of their financial burden. However, mounting utility costs and building upgrade projects have hastened the need for more donations, fundraisers and membership for the non-profit organization, officials say.
“We could certainly use more smiling faces coming in, ” Phipps said. Last year, officials lowered the age requirement to 50 to attract more members.
Mounting facility projects include electrical re-wiring as well as inside and outdoor lighting, Phipps said.
The center’s next fundraising event is a chili dinner with cornbread and sides from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Feb. 6. at the center, located at 1200 Seventh St.
Tickets are $8 per plate for all ages and can be purchased the day of the event or Mondays and Fridays at the center. Takeout is available.
“It will be getting together with people,” Phipps said. “Just come in and visit.”
To donate or volunteer at the senior center, call 830-693-5611 or 512-755-0377.
connie@thepicayune.com