By Andrew Segedin / Reporter
RUTHERFORD (July 28, 2010, 3:45 p.m.) — With today’s economy in its current distress mode, small, local organizations are as dependent as ever on government aid. But like a harsh ‘catch-22,’ cash-strapped municipalities are simply unable to provide the same level of financial support as they did in years past.
Such is the case with the Rutherford Borough Council, which plans to cut 10 percent of the annual funds (approximately $5,000) allotted to the 55 Kip Center.
Though, speaking with Executive Director Peggy Letsche, you’d hardly believe that the Kip Center, which offers programs for older adults, has lost anything at all.
“We are nonprofit,” Letsche said. “So the town really doesn’t have to do anything for us.”
Letsche is very appreciative that the borough has still committed 90 percent of its normal aid ($45,000) and is determined to maintain the Kip Center’s current $420,000 budget without having to raise the dues of the senior citizens.
In order to make up the difference, Letsche has committed herself to more fund-raising and grant-writing efforts. Participation in Boiling Springs Savings Bank’s Community Alliance Program, for instance, helped net the Kip Center $6,200 last quarter.
The center also helps sustain itself over the course of the year through tricky trays, 50/50’s, Halloween pumpkin painting by the center’s art club and a Festival of Trees and Wreathes, which raised $10,000 last year.
In addition to its regular and seasonal fund-raisers, the Kip Center hosts two major events every year — the Kip Classic, which celebrated its 15th year at Valley Brook Golf Course this past May, and a Hall of Fame Dinner Dance in October.
Typically, the Dinner Dance honors an inductee, but this year the staff will go against tradition and honor all in attendance to celebrate the center’s 25th anniversary.
While Letsche and the center are working harder than ever, she concedes that the economy is taking its toll. The Kip Center will close from Aug. 21 until Sept. 7 in an effort to save money. Additionally, its fund-raisers are not making the profit that they used to. The Kip Classic regularly brings in $30,000; this year it made roughly $20,000. Plus, with people cutting back and Letsche’s desire to lower ticket prices for seniors — encouraging their attendance — she expects the Dinner Dance to fall short of its $20,000 goal.
But she isn’t out of ideas just yet.
“At this time, the way things are, we should start thinking about shared services, transportation, things like that.”
Letsche pointed out that many of the seniors at the Kip Center are not Rutherford residents — with many coming from surrounding towns such as Lyndhurst, North Arlington and Kearny. Since taking over as executive director in 2003, Letsche has tried every year to obtain aid, transportation and other services from surrounding towns.
Carlstadt, which donates $2,500 a year and provides transportation to the Kip Center for its residents, is the only town to offer assistance. It is Letsche’s hope that, at the very least, surrounding communities follow suit and provide transportation to the center to those who need it.
Yet, nothing is imminent.
“To my knowledge, that isn’t something that has been discussed — at least in town meetings,” said Councilman John Parnofiello when asked to comment on the possibility of Rutherford and surrounding towns sharing resources such as buses for their seniors to attend neighboring community centers. “But I think it’s a great idea. I’d be for it.”
In the meantime, Letsche and the Kip Center will have to make due with what they have — a scenario most Americans are facing. “We’re just dealing with it as everyone else has to,” she said. “We just need to step up with other things, more grant-writing, more fund-raising.”
The Kip Center, 55 Kip Ave. in Rutherford, operates Tuesday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. This year’s 25th Anniversary Dinner Dance will be held Oct. 15 at The Landmark in East Rutherford.
Call Andrew at 201-218-3627
