Spectrum Generations received a $10,000 donation on Tuesday, April 11, from Central Maine Power Co. that will help fund the Cohen Deck Project, which will bring stylish canopies and views of countryside landscapes to older and disabled adults at Hallowell’s Cohen Community Center.
The project is a $200,000 capital campaign-funded effort by Spectrum Generations to create a community-inspired outdoor social dining area that will also allow for an 80% increase in services offered at the Cohen Community Center. Members of CMP’s Customer Care team who serve as Meals on Wheels volunteers with Spectrum Generations were there to present the gift, according to a news release from Lindsay MacDonald, vice president of Community Engagement for Spectrum Generations.
“It makes a big difference,” said Gerard Queally, president and CEO of Spectrum Generations at the Tuesday morning event. “It really brings a sense of community. I appreciate CMP helping us.”
“The Cohen Deck Project is a way to serve the community with dignity and respect, while providing something a bit nicer and upscale. The deck, as a meaningful gathering space, will be an incredible resource for our older community members and others to enjoy,” said Queally.
“We are delighted to further our partnership with Spectrum Generations,” said Linda Ball, vice president of Customer Service for Central Maine Power Co. “For more than a year, CMP Customer Service representatives have joined Spectrum Generations members for lunch where we provide in-person assistance with their electric bills. We truly value the opportunity to meet our customers and help answer their questions.”
The donation represents one of the milestones for the construction of the Cohen Deck Project. In addition, an anonymous individual donor has recently committed to a $25,000 community gift match, meaning every donation made right now will be matched dollar for dollar up to $25,000. This news comes just in time for Spectrum Generations spring appeal.
“This is the perfect time to support the Cohen Deck Project,” said MacDonald, “we are encouraging more businesses to step up in the way that CMP has with their gift, and we hope that individual donors in the community will consider supporting right now to have their donations — in any amount — matched up to $25,000.”
At this time 50% of the needed funds have been raised for the Cohen Deck Project. The deck build is expected to reach completion in late summer.
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