The Bonners Ferry Senior Hospitality Center, a warm and welcoming haven for Boundary County’s elders to gather for good company, a meal or a hot cup of coffee, a game of pool, a bit of conversation or a bit of reading and relaxing.
But the Center depends on the generosity of donors, and director Linda Lederhos says help is needed now to cover essential operating expenses and make much-needed upgrades in the kitchen and dining areas.
She has started a GoFundMe account, “Support Senior Hospitality Center’s Vital Work,” to make giving easy.
“With your help, we can continue to provide nutritious meals, foster meaningful connections, and maintain a safe, inviting environment for all who visit,” Linda wrote. “Thank you for considering our request and for supporting the Seniors Hospitality Center’s mission to enrich the lives of Boundary County’s older adults.”
Donations can also be mailed to Senior Hospitality Center. 6635 Lincoln Street, Bonners Ferry, ID 83805.
Perhaps Linda should consider forgoing her $60,000 salary.
According to online EIN sources SHC still hasn’t conducted their audit or filed their 990 form.
https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/seniors-hospitality-center%2C820322268/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
A native Idahoan, I retired to this area in 2024. I researched the Senior Center prior to moving here and looked forward to joining it. I’ve been welcomed heartily and greatly value the center as a place to meet locals, make new friends, play pool or card games and have nutritious, delicious meals. I’ve enjoyed the lunches tremendously. (Amy makes her own rolls, gravy & whipped cream!)
I often see Linda, the director, as she manages the site from day-to-day. She is also the perennial community volunteer, helping out at gun show snack counters and many other activities. Just months ago, she worked with local businesses to get a year’s worth of beef, chicken & $3000 cash donations for the center. She’s often involved in raffles & other fund raising activities for the center or for specifically needy seniors.
I can’t address any audit issues but a $60K salary is not excessive for such a role in my opinion – and I’d bet good money that a considerable portion of that salary finds it way back to the center. I’ve never seen a self-serving side to Linda. In sharp contrast, she is one of the most kind, considerate, unselfish persons I have ever met. (I’ve lived in 8 states and traveled through 22 states, Canada & Mexico.)
Let’s not be too quick to judge based on a casual glance. I evaluate & assess based on content and works. In Linda I see a community leader who leads by example and makes a huge difference in the lives of senior citizens. We very well may have the best senior center in America.
I have worked with Linda Lederhos on several of her volunteer projects. She is committed, great to work with, organized, and gives her all in whatever she volunteers for. She took over a not so well run Senior Center. Running a Senior Center has to be more like a business. I am sure with what she is doing, she deserves to be paid. A Senior Center is good for the community.