Board members of the Los Alamos Retired and Senior Organization hold plaques donated by Don Dudziak in memory of his wife Judy to assist in raising funds for the future of our seniors. Pictured are, from left, Dennis Beery, Ann Shafer, Bob Swift and Shelby Redondo. Courtesy photo
LARSO NEWS
As the year comes to an end, the Los Alamos Retired and Senior Organization (LARSO), will launch a new program called, A Living Legacy.
The Board of Directors has been instrumental, not only in ensuring that both senior centers meet the needs of the community, but also that they remain financially sound. While the centers would remain operational, even in the event of a loss of funds, the goal always is to look toward the future. One additional reason to raise money is to create new programs that are viable for both centers. LARSO has endured budget cuts over the past years, requiring efforts to offset these cuts. Donations and fundraising, usually focus during the time of the fiscal year (mid to end), when budget constraints indicate a short fall.
“The need to focus on and create a long-term plan for raising money to support senior center activities, is due to the fact that future funding is always uncertain,” said Bob Swift, LARSO Board President. “The viability of the senior center to carry out its mission will always depend on funding constraints. Long-term planning would help alleviate these constraints.”
The long-term goals/financial plan will define the future mission of the centers and potential ways to achieve funding for it. This may be defined as a long-term finance committee or other designation and would include LARSO board members, the executive director, finance officer and community input. The board believes that community involvement is needed, for this complex issue and offers a chance to hear new ideas or approaches.
A donation by Don Dudziak, in memory of his wife Judy has created funding for the Living Legacy wall. The design and materials for the wall are in the final stages and hope to be unveiled before the end of the year. “A Living Legacy, is meant to allow those individuals, businesses and organizations, to look to the future,” said Bernadette Lauritzen,
LARSO, Executive Director. “We hope donations might be made to realize the potential of growth for the centers, now and long after we are gone.”
The plan for the Living Legacy is not to memorialize those that have passed away, according to Lauritzen. The Friends of the Senior Center has a memorial program that honors members, friends or family in a special way. The Living Legacy offers two levels of contributions, $2,500 and $5,000. The final details of the project are nearing completion and a formal dedication will take place, at a date to be determined later.
To learn more about, “A Living Legacy,” contact Lauritzen at Director@losalamosseniorcenter.com.