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Pt. Defiance ~ Ruston Senior Center Awarded Rotary Grant

By Christine Hall

The Pt. Defiance ~ Ruston Senior Center is the proud recipient of a $5,000 grant from the Rotary Club of Tacoma #8! Franke Tobey Jones CEO Judy Dunn, Director of Philanthropy Shelley Harris, and Senior Center Director Kate Gray attended the awards luncheon on June 1^st at the La Quinta Inn in Tacoma.  After accepting the award, Kate Gray commented “we are extremely grateful to have received this help from Rotary.  When there are so many worthy organizations, it is an honor to have our mission and efforts recognized and supported.” 

After receiving the grant request in February, representatives from Rotary came to the Senior Center for a site visit and interview in March.  Rotary funding was based on impact on the senior community, the number of people served ~ many who are on fixed incomes ~ and the multitude of services and activities that the Pt. Defiance ~ Ruston Senior Center provides.

The Point Defiance~Ruston Senior Center, started in 1978 by Catholic Community Services, has been operated by Franke Tobey Jones since 1998 when Catholic Community Services announced it could no longer fund the Center.  Over the years, participation has grown and currently hundreds of seniors visit the Center monthly.  Participants benefit from nutritious meals, exercise classes, health screenings, computer classes and much more.  For more information, please contact the Senior Center at 253-756-0601.