Letter from Paul Sturtz, Columbia City Council

Hello,

I’m writing to ask for your help. “CARE@Paquin” is a new organization, supporting the accessible recreation program housed in Paquin Tower, primarily benefiting our neighbors with disabilities. It is open to the community and people from all over town go there because it offers free and low-cost recreational programming in an accessible location.

The program was created by the city nearly 40 years ago. Recently, part of its funding was cut because of tight city budgets. Some of our fellow citizens are raising the money to sustain and improve the program.

All of the participants are low income. Many live solely on social security benefits (making just over $700/month). Most are designated as 100% disabled. For the Columbians who use the program at Paquin, it represents one of life’s few enjoyments. It offers color to people whose lives are too often a dull gray.

Here is a brief description of the program:
The Paquin recreation program offers recreational opportunities for community members and residents of Paquin Tower. Programs include ceramics, painting, arts & crafts, cooking classes, Wii games, computer classes, fitness programs, and several different types of social outings. The program is adapted for people with special needs.

Programs like this one, which enrich the lives of Columbia’s citizens who face the greatest need, are part of what make our community great. As you’ll see in the attached Missourian article, citizens all across Columbia are pulling together, and we need your help. Fundraising efforts are just starting. Your contribution today will make a difference in the lives of the men and women who use this program.

Please use the link on this blog to contribute $250, $125, $60, $35 – or whatever makes sense for you – to New Century Fund. This is a registered 501c3 non-profit that is processing the money for CARE@Paquin to save time and paper work; all of the money will go to the Paquin program and these volunteer fundraising efforts. Checks can be mailed in the enclosed envelope to New Century Fund, P.O. Box 893, Columbia, MO 65205.

If you have any questions, please contact Sean Spence at 823-1308 or seanspence@earthlink.net. Thank you for considering this request. Your help now can make a big difference.

Sincerely,

Paul Sturtz