The Woodside community is coming together to raise funds for its beloved parish center, in hopes of keeping its doors open for generations to come. NY1's Clodagh McGowan filed the follow report.
For the seniors who gather at the St. Sebastian's Parish Center every week, the time spent goes beyond just a friendly game of bingo.
"A lot of our seniors don't get out, so this is heaven for them because they can come and coffee klatch and meet their friends and talk," said Ellen Coughlan, a Woodside resident.
Beyond meeting space for the seniors, the center boasts an Olympic sized swimming pool, basketball courts and a gym. But Harry Connor, the center's director says memberships are down overall, with competition from nearby health clubs. In 2015, the center ran with a deficit of nearly $300,000. While the church helps subsidize the cost, Connor says the bills keep mounting.
"So we have to pick up our boot straps and try to raise a lot of money. We have a lot of expenses coming up," said Connor.
Like the pool's dehumidification system. Connor says it needs to be replaced immediately, at the cost of $300,000. As the center is turning 50 next year, the building is in need of structural repairs too. So, they've set a hefty fundraising goal of $1 million.
"We're just reaching out and hoping as many people who were affected by this building in a positive way, which are lots of people, if they can just give a little money we hoping that we can make a big impact," said Connor.
Some of the original families who helped raise money to open the center back in the 1960’s are still members. They say it's so important to keep it running for generations to come."
"It's just a marvelous social place. And it keeps Woodside friendly and nice, and it's just a great place to live," said Catherine O'Keeffe, a Woodside resident.
So, if you'd like to help keep the doors open for another 50 years, visit the group's website.