The Senior Community Center of Owensboro-Daviess County has received a $50,000 grant from the Dart Foundation to support construction of its new facility — a gift local leaders say will make a lasting difference for generations of seniors.
“We are so honored to have been nominated and selected to receive this gift by individuals who are employed at Dart Polymers Inc. right here in our community,” said Senior Community Center Executive Director David Tucker. “The Dart Foundation has established a legacy of philanthropy since 1984, and we are honored to be among the recipients of their generosity.”
The Dart Foundation is a private family foundation established by Dart Container Corporation founder William A. Dart and his wife Claire T. Dart. The Foundation supports projects that improve the quality of life in the communities they serve.
The grant selection process involves employees nominating organizations within the local community, then voting for which one they’d like to receive the funding.
The grant comes just ahead of a highly anticipated groundbreaking ceremony for the new Senior Community Center, scheduled for 1 p.m. on June 18. The event will take place at the future site of the campus at the corner of Carter Road and West 2nd Street, just west of the Western Kentucky Botanical Garden.
“This is an exciting and historic moment that our seniors have looked forward to for many years,” Tucker said. “We invite everyone to come join us as members of our staff, the Owensboro City Commission and Daviess County Fiscal Court, community partners and, most importantly, our seniors, are on hand as we break ground on this beautiful campus.”
The new facility will sit on 8 acres and is designed with today’s active seniors in mind. Amenities include an expanded all-purpose room for meals, dances, and special events; two exercise rooms — one equipped with senior-friendly fitness machines and one for floor and chair workouts; dedicated classroom space; a reception and lounge area; outdoor seating; and interior and exterior walking trails.
Artistic renderings and floor plans of the new center will be on display at the ceremony, and a reception with refreshments will follow under a tent on site.
The project is being funded in large part by local government, with $5 million committed from the City of Owensboro and Daviess County Fiscal Court. Additionally, the Fiscal Court has pledged another $500,000 in matching funds, and the Senior Center has been actively fundraising to secure that extra amount to allow for potential upgrades.
Donations can be made online at seniorcenterodc.com or mailed to 1650 W. Second St., Owensboro, KY 42303.
