History of Friends of Pleasanton Senior Center
Friends of Pleasanton Senior Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in 2012 to enhance the quality of life for seniors in Pleasanton. It was started by a group of passionate volunteers who were inspired to help the growing population of older adults in Pleasanton.
This was not the first Friends of Pleasanton Senior Center. There was another non-profit, with almost the same name, led by dedicated volunteers to do beneficial things for the Seniors of Pleasanton. Sadly, in 2012, their funds were misused and lost by a now defunct non-profit, which caused that small organization to disband. The board for that group consisted of Jim Work, Keith McKay, Dick Small, Chuck Deckert, Bev Giovanni and Mary Tang. Pam Deaton was the Recreation Supervisor for the center.
Several members of that group decided to form a new non-profit; thus, Friends of Pleasanton Senior Center was created. Non-profit status was officially obtained on November 20, 2013. The initial directors were Keith McKay, Richard Small, Charles Deckert, Janet Burton, Todd Walberg, Mary Jane Casper and Kristen Jarvis.
After several years of litigation, in 2016, a small portion of the funds from the original group were recovered in bankruptcy court.
During that initial term, Keith McKay became very ill with pancreatic cancer. Throughout his 6-month fight with this disease, Keith continued to attend meetings and carry on the duties of president. One of his last acts on the board was to sign 100 letters introducing our new organization to area business owners. Keith succumbed to cancer only a few days later. His family continues to lend their support to the organization.
The first three donations to our newly formed non-profit were from Rotary Club of Pleasanton, Peddler Shoppe, and VIP Travel.
Annually, we host 3 major events:
The major fund-raising source is the Friends Tree which is displayed prominently in the lobby of the Senior Center. Folks can buy a leaf to be installed on the tree to memorialize friends and family. The funds are used to improve the quality of life for all Pleasanton Seniors.
Items provided by the Friends for the Senior Center:
This was not the first Friends of Pleasanton Senior Center. There was another non-profit, with almost the same name, led by dedicated volunteers to do beneficial things for the Seniors of Pleasanton. Sadly, in 2012, their funds were misused and lost by a now defunct non-profit, which caused that small organization to disband. The board for that group consisted of Jim Work, Keith McKay, Dick Small, Chuck Deckert, Bev Giovanni and Mary Tang. Pam Deaton was the Recreation Supervisor for the center.
Several members of that group decided to form a new non-profit; thus, Friends of Pleasanton Senior Center was created. Non-profit status was officially obtained on November 20, 2013. The initial directors were Keith McKay, Richard Small, Charles Deckert, Janet Burton, Todd Walberg, Mary Jane Casper and Kristen Jarvis.
After several years of litigation, in 2016, a small portion of the funds from the original group were recovered in bankruptcy court.
During that initial term, Keith McKay became very ill with pancreatic cancer. Throughout his 6-month fight with this disease, Keith continued to attend meetings and carry on the duties of president. One of his last acts on the board was to sign 100 letters introducing our new organization to area business owners. Keith succumbed to cancer only a few days later. His family continues to lend their support to the organization.
The first three donations to our newly formed non-profit were from Rotary Club of Pleasanton, Peddler Shoppe, and VIP Travel.
Annually, we host 3 major events:
- Party on the Patio since 2022 (3rd annual)
- A Taste of Chocolate since 2021 (4th annual)
- Holiday Social since 2015 (10th annual)
The major fund-raising source is the Friends Tree which is displayed prominently in the lobby of the Senior Center. Folks can buy a leaf to be installed on the tree to memorialize friends and family. The funds are used to improve the quality of life for all Pleasanton Seniors.
Items provided by the Friends for the Senior Center:
- Longevity Explorers Group 2018-2019
- Cooking Classes
- LCD Projector and sound system for main hall
- Computer Lab
- Various equipment for the Wood Shop
- Emergency Preparedness Classes
- Craft Fairs 2015-2017
- Photo Calander 2016 (a Calander featuring our own local seniors)
- Legacy Project 2017-2018
- Outdoor Shade Structures 2023
- Artificial Christmas Tree for the Lobby
- Game Room
- Ping Pong table
- Puzzle Table
- Indoor Pickleball court
- Pickleball “hands on” instructions
- Zoom Subscription
- Free coffee for the lobby starting in 2020
- Monthly Craft Classes starting in 2020
- Daily Newspaper starting in 2021