NEWPORT, N.H. — Hello, out there. It has been a few weeks since we have had the opportunity to share with you what has been happening at the Newport Senior Center. We have been working with the inspirational staff from Ruger’s for their Annual Golf Tournament.
For the past two years, Ruger’s has invested their time to raise money for the Newport Senior Center and Sullivan County Meals-on-Wheels. Their support has been invaluable. With last year’s donation of over $35,000, we eliminated wait lists for older adults experiencing food insecurity. In addition, weekend meals were restored for those who lost weekend meal distributions because of state and federal government funding cuts.
The efforts and support, from Ruger, has deeply touched us during our time of need at the Newport Senior Center. Our current roof needs some TLC. The roof is three years past its life expectancy and patches have been adhered to address problem areas. The repair for the roof is costly and is estimated at $110,000.
At the conclusion of this year’s golf tournament, it was estimated that Ruger had raised $32,000 to help with this ambitious goal to repair the roof that houses the Meals-on-Wheels program. Meals-on-Wheels prepares 500 meals per day to help older adults who are struggling to put food on the table.
With the generosity of Ruger, sponsors, donors, golfers and volunteers, we are beyond grateful to announce that the final tally amount raised was $38,142. The amount raised from this event will help us immensely with the cost of putting a roof over our head and protecting our programs for many years to come.
As a result of generous sponsors, businesses have shown how much they care and appreciate the work we do every day to help older adults live healthy, active lives, and permits them to remain in their community. Our deepest gratitude is extended to sponsors like, Sturm Ruger, Whelen, Greensource, Crown Point Cabinetry, Mountain Edge Suites, Coworx, Oneida Molded Plastics, One Credit Union, ATP Industries, Casella, Butler Bros., ARC, Kevin Onnela, Pinnacle, Salt hill Pub, LSVNA, Sprague, Carroll Concrete, and NEFCO.
Wait, it does not stop there! Additional sponsors include Suburban Propane, Ziggy’s, Bar Harbor Bank, Barton Insurance, Newport Village Pizza, Dugan PR, Sugar River Bank, New London Copy, and Turned Treasures.
What good is a golf tournament without good food. We were blessed with food donors this year. Performance Foodservice provided all the grilled hot dogs to help keep golfers energized throughout the day.
Each golfer received a lunch cooler and ice pack to keep. The cooler included Coronis’s famous grinders, bottled water, donated by Pepsi, and chips and granola bar donated by Performance Foodservice. At the conclusion of the tournament, golfers walked into the reception pavilion filled with tables of appetizers and baked items donated by all the “Sweet” NSC members, US Foods, Breaking Bread & One-Way Café.
Although no one was fortunate to win a brand-new car, donated by Key Chevrolet, or the $5,000 cash prize donated by MJ Harrington, we were still able to add to the fun. We were showered with raffle prizes donated by businesses and individuals who are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of older adults. Raffle donations were donated by Old Court House, Magic Food, Stetson’s Farm, Sunapee Pizza Chef, Pinnacle Sports, Bubba’s, Claremont Country Club, Tractor Supply, Shaw’s, Home Depot, Connecticut Precision Castings, Running’s, Appleseed Restaurant, Atlas Fireworks and Harpoon Brewery.
The donations did not stop there. Other prizes were made available by, Aubuchon Hardware, 99 Restaurant, Fore U Golf, Ramunto’s Pizza, Petal Patch, NSC, Amy Benson, Claremont Opera House, Black Beard Cove Adventure Golf, Montcalm Golf Club, Guild Family Haircuts, Big Lots, NAPA Auto, Barn Café, The Refinery, Protectworth Brewing, Market Basket, Ocean State Job Lot, O’Riley’s, Kylie’s Creations and Rolling Thunder.
The overwhelming amount of support and commitment by Ruger, businesses near and far, and individuals will be forever cherished. It has been an honor to work and be guided by Ruger on this event. The Newport Senior Center, Board of Directors, Sullivan County Meals-on-Wheels program, and its staff would like to sincerely thank all those involved in this event. We could not have done it without each and every one of you. You are all ONE IN A MILLION! Together, we will pave the way in breaking down barriers to food access for older adults.
