While still needing – and gratefully accepting – donations for their regular programs hosted on a monthly basis, the Escalon Fun Bunch has received some funding from the county level, which will be used for very specific special needs.
Submitting the application for funding was Escalon Senior Fun Bunch Director Ann Shaddix, outlining the needs in a letter to San Joaquin County District 5 Supervisor Robert Rickman. His district includes the City of Escalon.
“We respectfully request funding to continue and to increase our presence in our community,” Shaddix wrote.
Among the most pressing needs, a new laptop and printer, portable speakers and funding for the monthly newsletter.
The funding request of $10,000 submitted by Shaddix was detailed down to the penny and Rickman presented the request to fellow supervisors at the Tuesday, Feb. 27 board meeting in Stockton.
The board unanimously approved the funding request.
“This is for extra needed items,” fellow Fun Bunch member Tina Jensen said, explaining that the group does encourage donations from attendees at the various gatherings to help offset costs for general operational expenses.
Funding for the laptop and printer will help the Fun Bunch continue to print their monthly newsletter, register participants at events and provide necessary handouts. The $2000 requested for the newsletter will help provide printer ink, paper and postage for the newsletter for a year. Portable speakers and an A/V screen were also requested along with pop-up tents, to provide shade at outdoor events.
A large commercial coffee pot is needed, Shaddix said, as the increased attendance at the monthly events “requires additional coffee capacity.”
A $3000 request as part of the overall proposal would be for kitchen and general supplies for the year, such as plates, cups and napkins.
“We also routinely provide a take-away item that matches the theme of the day or holiday,” Shaddix wrote.
Also included was a request for funds for an electronic keyboard to be used to accompany the ‘Senior Singers’ who perform at the monthly Fun Bunch events as well as at some Escalon city functions and at the local library.
Also sought, three ukuleles, as ukulele lessons are now offered to Fun Bunch participants and they could be loaned out for the lessons.
Finally, Shaddix included a funding request of $1000 for the year for a guest speaker/entertainment fund.
“We provide expert information on topics such as health, nutrition and safety,” she detailed in the funding request. “Often, guest speakers require a fee. Entertainment for special events such as singers or dance instructors also charge a fee.”
Rickman sought the funding through a special Supervisorial District Funds allotment, which was re-established by the Board of Supervisors in the 2023-24 adopted county budget. County officials said the district funds are designed “to afford each supervisor the opportunity to address district-specific unmet needs.”
The Supervisorial district-funded projects are subject to existing County policy and business practice, added officials.
Shaddix explained that the Escalon Senior Fun Bunch was originally formed in 2019, as a way to “support and empower the senior population of Escalon” through social events and education. They continued their efforts even during the social distancing of the COVID-19 pandemic, providing some programs and services in a ‘drive thru’ fashion and helping older residents stay in contact with each other.
“As of January 2024, there are over 200 active members,” Shaddix added.
She said both the interest and participation is increasing and there are no fees charged to attend. The group meets at the Escalon Community Center on a regular basis, the third Wednesday of the month from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., in addition to the various sub groups including the Senior Steppers walking group and the Senior Singers.
“It’s my pleasure to provide funding for the Escalon Senior Fun Bunch Program. They offer a diversity of programs and services that help create a social support network and a culture of belonging, promoting good health, and providing valuable and pertinent information to seniors,” Rickman said in announcing approval of the $10,000 funding request. “Our seniors are valuable members of our communities and I am proud to support the Escalon Senior Fun Bunch Program’s goal of improving their well-being and quality of life.”
Shaddix also noted that the Escalon Senior Fun Bunch is an independently managed ministry of, and partially supported by, Saron Lutheran Church of Escalon, CA, a 501C3 organization.
All seniors are welcome to attend the Fun Bunch events; the next regular meeting will be Wednesday, March 20 at the Escalon Community Center, beginning at 2 p.m.
