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Marianne Young Center reports rising participation, $50,000 in donations and new coordinator
Summary
At a March 9 parks board meeting, Marianne Young Center recreation manager Amanda Alms told the board the center runs about 40 programs monthly, serves just over 1,000 lunches per month (suggested $5 donation) and has collected more than $50,000 in donations; a new coordinator started this week.
Amanda Alms, recreation manager for the Marianne Young Center, told the Blaine Parks and Recreation Advisory Board that the center’s programs, meals and rentals are seeing steady increases.
“We offer about 40 programs per month,” Alms said, adding the center runs roughly 2.25 off-site trips each month. She said the center serves “a little over 1,000 lunches per month,” with a suggested $5 donation for meals that she estimated would otherwise cost about $8–$9 to prepare.
Alms told the board the center collected a little over $50,000 in donations last year and that fundraising and rentals are an important revenue source. “We had someone who donated $500 for our ukulele team,” she said, and described a jewelry sale that brought in close to $8,000.
The presentation emphasized volunteer support and social programming. Alms said volunteers help prepare and distribute meals and the center recognizes volunteers who provide 20 or more hours with lunch vouchers. She also described cultural events, multi‑generational activities and wellness programs she said are designed to help older adults age in place in Blaine.
Board members praised the center’s work during questions after the presentation. One board member noted the region’s shifting demographics and said seniors (age 55 and older) are the fastest‑growing age cohort locally, making expanded programming a priority for parks staff.
Alms also announced staffing updates: a newly hired Marianne Young coordinator recently started and a fitness instructor resumed classes despite winter weather. The board discussed space constraints and rental demand; Alms said the facility is booked through June and moving into July for private events such as weddings and graduations.
The board did not take formal action on the presentation. Jerome, parks staff, confirmed Volunteers of America provides the cook who prepares meals for the center and that the city supplements a portion of that staff time. The presentation ended with board thanks and no outstanding questions.
