Lasco Ford in Fenton Michigan donates nearly $20,000 to Loose Senior Center in Linden Michigan

Aug. 22, 2012 - PRLog -- LINDEN, Michigan —  Lasco Ford is giving more money to the Loose Senior Citizen Center, after already donating $10,000 that kicked off the senior center's efforts to raise money to build a new center.

Lasco Ford donated the money in October, following a September fire that destroyed the senior center’s main building, temporarily displacing programs. With its first donation, it promised to give more — $25 for every car sold in October. The dealership sold 380 of them.

So now the senior center is receiving another $9,500 from Lasco.

“We felt like this was an important matter and something important for the surrounding communities,” said Jay Lasco, vice president of operations, said about the donation to the center.

Loose is looking to raise $3 million to rebuild a new facility at its Bridge Street property and demolish the two smaller buildings that were damaged, but survived the fire.

An electrical fire on Sept. 30 destroyed the senior center’s main building and all of its files, containing member information.

“We are so appreciative of Lasco Ford for what they’re doing and their great, great show of support and we’re hoping that other businesses will come forward,” said Vince Eible, Loose board member.

The senior center has nearly 4,000 members from Linden, Fenton and surrounding communities and provides programs and services to area seniors.

Earlier this month the senior center mailed out pledge cards as part of its annual campaign. This time, two different pledge cards were included, Eible said, — one for its budget and the other designated to the new building.

Eible said the senior center hopes to raise $40,000 through this effort. Last year, the campaign brought in $26,000.

The center also raised $4,862 last weekend, while it solicited contributions at four stores in Holly, Fenton and Linden.

The effort also is out to receive financial support from area businesses and foundations.

“We’ve got some other ideas going in addition to that of course, we’re trying to get access to various foundations. That effort is underway,” Eible said. “We’re trying to develop a more encompassing strategy with our business community.”

Most recently, The State Bank set up an account for the building fund and donated $2,500. Through the account, those interested in helping, can deposit money.

However, Eible said there hasn’t been much response to it.

Donations can be sent to either the Loose Senior Center, 707 North Bridge St. in Linden, or made at any State Bank locations.

Update on Loose Senior Citizen Center:

• The Loose Senior Citizen Center opened its doors on Monday and members are happy to be back, said Executive Director Carl Gabrielson.

“It is very important we did what we did, and that was getting things up and running as quick as we did,” Gabrielson said. “There’s a lot of ownership here. This is a big part of people’s lives.”

• Gabrielson said he hopes to have the center’s main building that was destroyed by the fire demolished by Christmas and is awaiting the go ahead from the center’s insurance company.  

Story Courtesy of mlive.com