SEVEN VALLEYS SENIOR CENTER
CALLAWAY, NEBRASKA

Contact Person: Doris Chesley
Seven Valleys Senior Citizens
HC 78 GG #8
Callaway, NE 68825
Phone: (308) 836-2848

COMMUNITY DESCRIPTION

Callaway is located in the center of Nebraska where seven valleys converge. The 700 residents are proud of their clean, progressive town. Within Custer County, where Callaway is found, nearly 21% of the residents are age 65 or older. Farms and ranches dominate the plains near the South Loop River. There are two farm fertilizer and chemical companies in the area, along with a hospital, a nursing home, and a school.

BACKGROUND HISTORY

For years, the older residents of Callaway met in an old filling station that had been donated for use as an activity center. By the late 1980’s the space had become too small and the building was in need of repair. In 1988, several older residents discussed the need for a new meeting place that also could be used for community activities. Two years later, planning progressed and two grants were applied for but not received. Undaunted, the older residents were determined to proceed with their plan and to raise the $120,000 themselves.

PROJECT INITIATIVE

The Seven Valleys Senior Citizens have a seven member board. The board was instrumental in developing the plans for the senior center and for the fundraising efforts. The group decided to build a one story 36 by 60 foot building that would be handicapped accessible. There is a large meeting room, a kitchen, two handicapped accessible bathrooms, a pantry, and a furnace room.

After much discussion, it was decided to raise funds by several means: the sale of engraved bricks and plaques that would be a part of the outer walls of the new building, and catering meals and donut sales. Planning began in earnest in 1990, as did fundraising. The group bought a piece of land that was conveniently located near the center of town. The groundbreaking was held in November 1992 and construction was begun the following summer. Finished in 1995, the Seven Valleys Senior Center is a functioning tribute to the determination of this group of citizens. The Seven Valleys Senior Citizens group is very proud of their new building. It is also used by other community groups or individuals for a small donation.

FUNDING

The first fundraising efforts were soliciting funds from merchants and residents of Callaway and later, the bi-monthly donut sales. A group of individuals made the dough at home and donated it to the cause. The ladies met at the senior center to fry the doughnuts in the recently purchased deep fryer. The local television station provided valuable coverage of the events, and a big "Donut Sale" sign was hung on the senior center each day of the sale. Word of mouth was also instrumental for sales, which soon included advance orders. The cooking crew included 6 to 12 women who worked together making donuts, cinnamon rolls, and bismarks that sold for $.40 plain and $.50 iced. The regular schedule of donut sales kept the community aware of the project and allowed a majority of the citizens to be involved in the cause as they enjoyed the homebaked goodies.

The ladies’ culinary skills were used to great benefit at the Alumni Banquet, which they served for four years, clearing from $800-$1,000 each year. The group also served food (sandwiches, pies, and drinks) at local auctions, catered dinners for both organizations and families, and catered promotional dinners for several businesses. Part of what made this group of volunteers special was that the main workers ranged in age from 70-85 years.

Bricks used in an outer wall of the building were to be engraved with people’s names, allowing two lines with 17 spaces each. The bricks sold for $250 each. Some families bought bricks to commemorate ancestors who were among the original homesteaders of Callaway. Others bought bricks for each generation or for each member of their family. Several businesses contributed to the effort, as well. In addition to the bricks, engraved bronze plaques were sold for $1500 each. The plaques are mounted near the main entrance to the building and the commemorative bricks are located nearby.

Letters were sent to school alumni to increase awareness of the project. The local newspaper was a major resource in this fundraising effort because many former residents continue to receive the newspaper by mail. A museum located across the street from the new senior center made a 10 year $20,000 loan to the senior group to support the project. Individual contributions ranging from $5-$100 added approximately $4,000 to the total funds raised. The fundraising efforts yielded the following:

    263 Bricks @ $250 (minus $40 for engraving)   $55,230
     19 Plaques @ $1500 (minus $300 for engraving) 22,800
        Catering and donut sales                   10,000        
                                                  $87,230

CHALLENGES

The first challenge was deciding on the location and size of the building. All the decisions regarding window size and placement, kitchen equipment, and other details were made by the committee. One member prevailed upon the committee to increase the building size by 10 feet which, in retrospect, proved to be beneficial.

Fund raising was, of course, the major concern. The committee members were unsure if they would be able to meet their goal. However, though the community is small, the people have always come together for a common cause.

CURRENT STATUS

The Senior Center is used by everyone and is a much appreciated addition to the town. There was a big celebration at the mortgage burning in January 1997, just two years after the building was opened. The bi-monthly donut sales are now an established tradition, as well as a wonderful socializing activity for those individuals involved, and a continuing source of funds. The sale of engraved bricks and plaques also continues. These funds are being invested for future maintenance or equipment purchases. The fund can grow up to $20,00 without any jeopardy to the group’s tax deferred status.