A perfect topping, Ice cream social nets big donation
Staff writer
Marion senior center president Sue Clough was floored by an unexpected donation at the center’s ice cream social fundraiser Sunday.
“We were so honored to receive a $5,000 gift from Harold and Peggy Van Buren,” Clough said. “It was such a surprise.”
Although the turnout was exceptional, the $5,000 donation was the frosting on the cake.
The Van Burens previously have given money to senior centers in Marion and Peabody.
“We knew they were in trouble financially and we wanted to help,” Harold said.
Harold, 88, a former Florence-area resident now of Wichita, said he enjoyed donating.
“It comes natural to us. We’ve been giving for 25 years.”
Volunteer Janie Westerman said center staff were encouraged with attendance around 60 people attended the social.
“It was a great event, especially with about 85 percent of the people not being part of the center,” she said.
Kiersten Wildin, 8, and her Marion family took time Sunday evening to enjoy the ice cream. They were supporting the center and her great-grandmother, Janet Bryant, who is a center patron.
“I like ice cream,” Kiersten said.
She had vanilla ice cream with chocolate topping and sprinkles served by volunteer Shirley Moore of Marion. But her eyes were bigger than her stomach and she had to have help finishing it all.
Last modified July 26, 2018