The Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center’s new building campaign now only has $1.3 million remaining to raise before groundbreaking on the site can begin.

“Over these months of the public portion of our campaign, over $450,000 has been raised with the help of local businesses, entrepreneurs, community members and foundation grants,” said SCV Senior Center Executive Director Kevin MacDonald.

“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who’s donated so far – and for those who haven’t yet gotten around to it, we want to let them know that we really need their help to finish strong,” MacDonald said.

The new SCV Senior Center, to be erected on 2.5 acres of donated land on Golden Valley Road, will be a technologically-advanced two-story building three times the size of the current Center on Market Street in Newhall.

“Our seniors, volunteers and staff are excited to have more space to better accommodate the growing need, but what’s even more exciting are our plans on how that space will be best utilized,” MacDonald said.

“SCV seniors, with the help of this community, will have access to a health center, culinary teaching kitchen, ‘living room’ for improved socialization opportunities, space for dance classes, a financial resource center and so much more,” he said. “Our vision is close to being realized; we just need the community’s help to push us over on the fundraising side so that we can break ground.”

“We’re still on track for the grand opening in 2018,” says Campaign Co-chair Peggy Rasmussen. “Right now, we’re still meeting with business owners and community influencers to make some of the last connections necessary to meet our fundraising goal. $1.3 million seems like a lot more to raise – and it is – but if everyone who could afford to donate logs onto our website right now at www.newseniorcenter.com and contributes, we’ll be in an excellent position to begin construction.”

Says MacDonald: “People ask us, ‘How can I help? Will my little donation really make a difference?’ The answer is, ‘Absolutely, yes.’ This Campaign has never been ‘just’ about fundraising, dollars and cents. It’s also been about showing our seniors that Santa Clarita residents know that they have value – that their lives, and the quality of their lives, matter to the people who live in this town.

“Our volunteers are mostly seniors, and when they hear that another check has come in, or another online donation has been made, they’re thrilled – whether that check is for $5 or $5,000,” Rasmussen said. “Every donation is another validation for the SCV senior community and gets us closer to beginning construction.”

How Readers Can Make a Donation Online, by Phone or by Mail
Donations can be made online at www.NewSeniorCenter.com or by writing a check to SCVCOA-Building Fund (Memo: Capital Campaign) and mailing it to 22900 Market Street, Santa Clarita, CA 91321. You can also in a credit-card donation to the SCV Senior Center (661-259-9444).

Buy a Plaque
Permanent on-site plaques are available now at donation points of $500, $1,000, $2,500 and $5,000. Plaques can be made in memory or honor of an individual, or can be in recognition of a donation. Contact Executive Director Kevin MacDonald at 661-259-9444, extension 123, to make arrangements.

Host a Fundraiser
Do you own a business? Volunteer with a youth group? Are part of a philanthropic organization? Reach out to Kevin MacDonald, who will connect you with the Campaign’s marketing coordinator. Get exposure for your good deed while making a difference in the lives of SCV seniors.

Gift Stock, Bonds & Securities
Contact Executive Director Kevin MacDonald to arrange gifts of stock, securities and more (661-259-9444, extension 123).

About the SCV Senior Center New Building Campaign
The SCV Senior Center New Building Campaign is currently soliciting donations and community partnerships. Donations can be made online at www.NewSeniorCenter.com; by writing a check to SCVCOA-Building Fund (Memo: Capital Campaign) and mailing it to 22900 Market Street, Santa Clarita, CA 91321; calling in a credit-card donation to the SCV Senior Center (661-259-9444) or working with Executive Director MacDonald to arrange gifts of stock, securities and more (661-259-9444, extension 123). Building naming opportunities, commemorative plaques and more are available and donations are tax deductible.

About the New SCV Senior Center
The 2.5-acre site of the new building can be found on Golden Valley Road in Santa Clarita and will serve SCV’s growing senior population and those who love them. Exciting additions to the new Center include an expanded Adult Day Program, Health & Wellness Center, Employment and Financial Centers; Culinary Arts Kitchen; multi-purpose rooms; a “living room” with fireplace and socialization area; and much more.