April 29, 2006

The Bus Stop Here!
St. Paul's Retirement Homes Foundation launched a fundraising campaign today, called The Bus Stops Here!, to purchase a new bus for the residents of their retirement communities. It was also announced that a generous grant of $60,000 was recently secured to help them meet their overall goal of $120,000.

More than 80 residents attended the picnic luncheon and cheered when a fundraising thermometer was unveiled. It indicated that with this grant and advance gifts totaling over $46,000, the Foundation has come within striking distance of their $120,000 target, leaving them with less than $14,000 remaining.

A new bus for the residents is badly needed. “Our current bus is more than 10 years old,” said Bill Metzdorf, Executive Director of St. Paul's Retirement Homes Foundation, “it has more than its share of maintenance problems, and presents residents with a few challenges for entry and exit due to the steps and wheelchair lift. Our residents need a new bus that will assure their continued independence for shopping and activities. The Easy On bus is designed to provide safe, “easy on” entry and exit for St. Paul’s residents.”

St. Paul's residents have not only made gifts and pledges from their own fixed incomes, they have also identified other funding sources and encouraged their families and friends to join the campaign.

“I have been impressed with how willingly our residents have accepted the challenge to participate in our fundraising efforts,” says Metzdorf. “I hope the community will catch their spirit of giving and respond in kind to our need.”

Cheryl Wilson and Bill Metzdorf announce only $14,000 remaining in the campaign.

Jasmine Commerce and Matt Commerce performed classic folk songs during the picnic luncheon.

Manor residents Ebba Capplen and Elizabeth Schantz listen on to the good news and wonderful music.