Collection plate is for the seniors

AVIVA GOELMAN

It’s disheartening, I know, to continually read or hear about the

hard times nonprofits face and how they have to struggle to survive.

At the Costa Mesa Senior Center, we often experience that

discouragement both as a nonprofit trying to stay afloat and as

individuals who appreciate the value of service organizations.

The exercise always seems endless. What new event can you think or

what special venue is out there that will help us do what many find

distasteful but so necessary, namely, raise money?

These past two years -- since the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11 --

have been the hardest times I’ve seen and experienced in the

nonprofit industry. Fear and uncertainty, the sagging economy and the

general belt tightening everyone endures during this time always

affects nonprofits first. Even the ever-supportive foundations do not

have access to funds as freely as when the stock market was booming.

But we soldier on.

This year, as part of our ongoing fund-raising campaign, we are

proud to present a benefit performance of “Late Nite Catechism.” This

hilarious interactive comedy by Vicki Quade and Mary Pat Donovan will

be held at 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14, and Saturday, Nov. 15, at the

Robert B. Moore Theater on the Orange Coast College campus. Thanks to

the generosity of the Orange Coast College Foundation and to the

wonderful cooperation of the foundations’ director, Doug Bennet, the

senior center is able to partner with the college to stage this

special event.

For tickets and information, please call the Costa Mesa Senior

Center (949) 645-2356, ext. 15. Tickets are $35 per person. For $75 a

ticket, you become a Benefactor, which includes a coffee and dessert

party after each show.

“Late Nite Catechism is a gleeful, playful -- but never vulgar --

send-up of Catholic schools in particular and Catholicism in general.

It’s a laugh-filled evening for all cultures, classes and religions,”

the Hollywood Reporter wrote.

“For anyone ever taught by a nun, the show may well trigger a

storm of nostalgic recollection -- not to mention gales of laughter.

However, non-Catholics too will appreciate Donovan’s improvisational

flare,” the Los Angeles Times reported. And the Chicago Sun Times

offered that “Catechism can be habit forming.” Cute pun.

Indeed, fund-raising gets more difficult every year, but there is

no other avenue to walk. Nonprofits have to keep knocking on doors.

That’s why the senior center leadership decided to present “Late Nite

Catechism,” so that our sponsors and benefactors can participate in

an enjoyable evening instead of just sending a check.

Since becoming executive director of the Costa Mesa Senior Center,

I’ve tried -- with mixed results -- to meet the families and friends

of our senior members. It’s difficult, I know, to spend time away

from our homes and our jobs. Especially if we live out of town. But

the Costa Mesa Senior Center offers so much to our seniors. That’s

why we want and encourage the families and friends to be a part of

this “home away from home” physically, morally and financially.

There are benefits. I personally was there with my parents at

their Senior Center. I brought my kids, my grandchildren and even my

friends to support my parents at their center. While both my parents

now gone, I do have all the memories of the fun times we shared and

many stories to pass on.

Where would our seniors go if this place did not exist? Where will

you go when you are a senior? It may well do that for you, too, later

in your life. The center gives them a reason to get up, look forward

to a full day and find a focus to their lives. And the friendships

that are formed are irreplaceable.

So when our seniors or anyone else approaches you to join them for

this fun filled evening, please say, “Yes!”

Now, here’s your test. We invite you to join us at our next flea

market on Saturday, Oct. 18, in the parking lot of the Costa Mesa

Senior Center, 695 W. 19th St. in Costa Mesa.

If you wish to sell some of your items, please call Darryl Kim at

(949)-645-2356, ext. 15 to reserve a space. Spaces are $10 for

members and $20 for nonmembers. Take this opportunity to clear your

garage and closets before the holidays.

* AVIVA GOELMAN is the executive director of the Costa Mesa Senior

Center and will write occasional columns about the center, its

members and senior issues.