“Celgene is happy to support Summit and specifically the seniors in our community through this project,” said Bob Hugin, Executive Chairman of Celgene Corporation. “We hope the Celgene Senior Lounge at the new community center provides our vibrant seniors an opportunity to live healthier and more active lives.”
The proposed senior lounge will encompass 1,000 square feet and include a gas fireplace, television, coffee bar, sitting area, card tables, and program space. It will also include an office space for the senior program coordinator, senior social worker, and senior nurse.
Beyond the senior lounge space, improvements to the facility will include an 11,600 square foot addition to the existing 8,000 square foot facility with a full-sized gym, additional restrooms, enhanced meeting spaces, an area for teens, kitchen space, improved parking, and accessibility improvements.
“Our wonderful community center has served generations of Summit residents since 1954. As its role in the community continues to expand, an ever-present need for a complete renovation of the facilities continues to build,” explains Summit Mayor Nora Radest. “The popularity of all of our programs, especially those for seniors, is a driving force behind this renovation. We are thrilled to be able to undertake this important project for the benefit of our entire community.”
The renovation is proceeding with a focus on sustainability and energy efficiency, and was originally proposed at a cost of $5.7 million dollars. Common Council charged Summit residents to raise $1.2 million dollars towards the cost of the project. Community volunteers Drew Maldonado, Jude Avelino, Regina Feeney, Jamie Colucci, and Mayor Nora Radest led a successful fundraising effort, receiving more than $800,000 in pledges for the project. Summit Common Council will continue the fundraising effort with several special events planned over the next few weeks.
Investors Bank kicked off the fundraising campaign in July 2015 with a pledge of $250,000 for the project. Celgene Corporation recently became the top supporter for the project, expressing a special enthusiasm for funding it as the Community Center is located next door to company headquarters.
For more information about the community center project, how to donate or get involved, go to www.summitcommunityprograms.com.