Schubert Centre faces financial crunch; seeking community support

An integral facility in Vernon’s downtown is seeking public support to help ease major financial challenges.

The Schubert Centre Society says in a news release, the centre has been accumulating debt for several years, showing a $290,000 deficit for the last fiscal year.

The centre, which hosts seniors activities and is a hub for community meetings, is also facing the impending failure of its aging heating system, with that project costing $180,000 to replace the rooftop furnace.

In response to the situation, the centre is holding a fundraiser and calling-out for community support.

The kick-off fundraiser will be the Schubert Centre Furnace Fundraiser on Friday January 24, 2020.
A fun-filled evening is planned including dinner,and entertainment with comedian ventriloquist Don Bryan and dancing to the Shawn Lightfoot Band.

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Tickets are $125 per person, and with the purchase of a ticket there will be a $75 charitable donation receipt issued.

Contact centre manager Shirley Higgins at 250 549 4201 to purchase tickets, or drop by the Centre.

“For over 36 years Schubert Centre has been an integral part of the Vernon’s senior community and has managed to support itself with limited government and community funding,” said Society President Diane Weaver.

“The Board of Directors brought in Shirley Higgins to help with the transition of management after the recent passing of the centre’s manager, Jack Gareb. She is no stranger to fundraising, so she has pulled together a team of professional volunteers to help organize the first fundraiser. Although the furnace is the most immediate issue it is not the only challenge facing the centre,” said Weaver.

Kalamalka Rotary is the first to step-up and support the Furnace Fundraiser by donating $9,800 from the proceeds of the 2019 Kalamalka Rotary Dream Auction.

“I am so grateful to the Kal Rotary for this very generous and much appreciated donation,” said manager Shirley Higgins.

“Since the Schubert Centre is the cornerstone of the local senior community and thousands of other users, we, the Board of Directors, staff, volunteers and myself are determined to help the Schubert Centre get back on track so that it can become a viable, self-sustaining, non-profit community centre again. To do this, we need help. I am asking the Vernon community to please help me help the Schubert Centre,” added Higgins.

Ways to help include:

Make a Donation
Purchase a $50 membership, open to all ages
Book a corporate meeting or event
Utilize the centre’s catering services or rent its tour bus
Enjoy a hot lunch Monday to Friday in the Schubert Cafeteria
Purchase tickets to the Furnace Fundraiser
Donate a silent auction item
Shop at their thrift store and support the weekly bingo’s on Wednesday evening and Sunday afternoon

“I know the Vernon and area community is very generous, and with their support, we believe the dream to make Schubert a viable, self-sustaining, non-profit community centre can become a reality,” stated Higgins.