There was a great turnout (100+) at
last night's Cascade People's Center fundraiser at the Southlake Grill. Its obvious the Center has touched a lot of people in its ~10 years of existence, and as a result there are many people out there determined to keep the Center in our community.
Nick Demas from the Center provided the benefit-goers with an update on the Center's status, which was bittersweet:
- Seattle Parks & Recreation, the Center's landlord has agreed to waive the lease requirements in 2009, which means CPC will stay open in 2009.
- In order to stay open, the Center will lose two staff members, and parent organization Lutheran Community Service Northwest will have to take on a large budget deficit.
- CPC has raised over $17K in individual contributions over the last two months, not counting last night's benefit. This is more than they've ever done in a year. These donations will allow the Center continue to provide the important programs and resources in 2009 that have helped so many in the past.
Also of note, the Center is hoping to engage even more members of the community in 2009. So stop in and see what they're all about. There are numerous ways to get involved either through taking advantage of the programs and resources, or through volunteering.
Southlake Grill definitely deserves a lot of credit for hosting the benefit. They provided the space, the food and the service at zero cost so that all the proceeds from the night could go towards the Center. And best of all, it was Southlake Grill who reached out to CPC to throw the benefit, not the other way around. Good on 'ya, Southlake.
There's another chance to help out CPC while filling your stomache this weekend. On Saturday, December 13th, 10% of your bill at Paddy Coyne's will go towards the Center. Cheers!
