(Wallyhood welcomes a new contributor today, Erin Leach-Kemon)

After 30 years, the Wallingford Senior Center was forced on Fri, Oct 30 to let go of its primary staff and to scale down its senior services to just a few remaining programs due to a continual lack of funds. A final decision on the Center’s future is scheduled to be reached just before Thanksgiving.

In an effort to raise money and to demonstrate the community’s commitment to the Center, the Wallingford Chamber of Commerce and Wallingford Community Council have joined forces in forming a fundraising event:

Soup and Bread Fundraiser

Thurs, Nov 19, 2009

6-8PM

Located at the Wallingford Community Senior Center (4649 Sunnyside Ave N), lower level of The Good Shepherd Center

RSVP/Info: Soup@WallingfordChamber.org or (206) 632-3165

$20 (suggested donation) per person, or much more if you’re able

Great food, raffle and a live performance by local bluegrass band, Lost in the Fog

Made possible by the Wallingford Chamber of Commerce and Community Council, Ivar’s, Selena’s Guadalajara, Rusty Pelican, Essential Bakery and other local businesses

Currently, Wallingford’s Senior Center serves over 1,500 local residents and is one of only a handful of senior centers still standing in Seattle. The Senior Center has issued a pending request for continued financial support from the City Council and several big donors have expressed interest in contributing to the Center’s future financial needs. They have specifically noted they do not wish to pay off old debt, especially if there is no definitive hope for the Center remaining open. Those involved believe that donations from local residents will illustrate the community’s dedication and financial support to the Center, improving the chances of financial assistance from both the donors and the City Council.

Unable to attend the fundraiser or just want to do more to help?

• Volunteer at the Senior Center or offer to help the Center’s Board
• Checks can be made payable to “Wallingford Community Senior Center” and mailed to 4649 Sunnyside Ave N, Suite 140, Seattle, WA 98103
• Check back for additional information on Wallyhood and spread the word to friends and family
• Contact your local city council members by snail mail (Seattle City Hall, PO Box 34025, Seattle, WA 98124-4025), phone or e-mail:
• Richard Conlin, Council President– (206) 684-8805 or richard.conlin@seattle.gov
• Tim Burgess –(206) 684-8806 or tim.burgess@seattle.gov
• Bruce Harrell – (206) 684-8804 or bruce.harrell@seattle.gov
• Jean Godden – (206) 684-8807 or jean.godden@seattle.gov
• Tom Rasmussen – (206) 684-8808 or tom.rasmussen@seattle.gov
• Jan Drago – (206) 684- 8801 or jan.drago@seattle.gov
• Sally Clark – (206) 684-8802 or sally.clark@seattle.gov
• Richard McIver – (206) 684-8800 or richard.mciver@seattle.gov
• Nick Licata: (206) 684-8803 or nick.licata@seattle.gov