Fundraiser to benefit new senior center

By CHERIL VERNON
The Palestine Herald

PALESTINE May 08, 2008 02:34 am

— This fall, Palestine is projected to have a new senior citizens center and Meals on Wheels facility near the downtown area.
Thanks to an idea born from Gerri Simpson of Crown Home Health and Debbie Wesson of Sterling House, a fund-raiser to benefit the building fund will start at 5:30 p.m. Friday at Sterling House, locate at 101 Trinity Court behind All Star Ford.
The event will feature a fish fry, live country music and a square dancing exhibition.
“They came up with the idea to help us raise money for our new building,” said Lois Durant, executive director of Meals on Wheels of Palestine Inc. “We really do appreciate it because we need the help.
“The cost keeps going up more than we anticipated,” she added. “All proceeds will be earmarked for the building fund.”
For $6 a plate, the fish fry will include fish, fries, coleslaw, hushpuppies, a cookie and tea. Soft drinks will be sold for 50 cents. Those attending can choose to dine at the event or take it to go.
The Dogwood Square Dance Club will show off their square dancing skills at 6:30 p.m., followed by Wayne McInnis and friends providing old-time country music at 7 p.m.
“We encourage everyone to bring lawn chairs and enjoy all the fun as we raise funds to help the local Meals on Wheels program and help with the building fund for the senior activity building,” Durant said.
Palestine Regional Medical Center has donated most of the fish and Ben E. Keith has donated the dessert.
Though now in the planning stages, construction is expected to start on June 1, Durant said.
“We’ve already got some things done,” Durant said. “We’ve had the roof repaired and we’ve purchased an alarm system.”
In order to show the community their plans, the Palestine Area Chamber of Commerce’s monthly After Hours Mixer will be held from 5 to 6:30 p.m. May 15 at the new location, 200 N. Church St.
“We will have our plans out so we can let the public see what we are doing,” Durant said. “Anyone who is interested in seeing our building — especially what it looks like now — is invited to come out. Then in the fall when we have the grand opening, they can see how it has changed.
“I believe the new senior center and Meals on Wheels building will be a good addition to downtown Palestine that everyone in Anderson County can be proud of,” Durant continued.
Tickets for the fish fry can be purchased in advance at Sterling House, the Senior Citizens Center or Crown Home Health.
For those who can’t come to the Friday event but would still like to make a donation, they can be sent to: Meals on Wheels, P.O. Box 1365, Palestine, TX, 75802. Mark donations “Building Fund.”
For more information about the Friday fund-raiser, call Debbie Wesson at 903-729-1900.