Maricopa Seniors group launching discount card program

Senior citizens are encouraged to shop local businesses with the soon-to-be-launched Maricopa Seniors discount card.

Businesses are offering seniors a wide variety of discounts: “From 20 percent off handyman services, catering, wedding cakes, photography and even the services of a clown, complete with magic and balloon animals. Already there are over 35 local businesses sponsoring this program. It is entirely free for the businesses to participate in, and they can design their own discount,” said Maricopa resident Therese Starkey.

“The purchase price of the card will be $7. They will be valid for the rest of 2009 and through 2010,” Starkey said.

A full listing of the participating businesses will be available for viewing on www.maricopaseniors.org on Aug.1. The kickoff for purchase of the cards will be Aug.15.

“The cards will be available at churches and perhaps the VFW Post for now. You can even contact me directly,” said Starkey. She is hoping to add other outlets to get the cards to the public as they are printed and become available.

Proceeds from this fundraiser will be used for equipment and the furnishing of a future senior center, according to Starkey.

“It has been a way of life, to give back to the community. It is important to not only have a senior center but also to show how important the seniors are in the community because they can give back as well. It is the responsibility of the city to provide services to citizens,” Starkey said.

The process of becoming a non-profit group, the Maricopa Seniors organization, has involved many people in its formation. “Great, valuable friendships have come out of it, and it’s unbelievable because of the people involved, their time, talents and expertise,” said Starkey.

Council member Carl Diedrich is providing all the funding for the printing of cards, as well as getting the website www.Maricopaseniors.org set up for launch. Myron Trafelet, CPA, is volunteering his work pro bono to file documents with the state required for the seniors to attain a non-profit status, and City Attorney Denis Fitzgibbons is also doing pro bono work to ensure all documents are legally sound.

The Maricopa Seniors organization is still looking for additional sponsorships for the discount program. Any interested businesses, whether home-based or commercial, should contact Therese Starkey at [email protected] or by telephone at 520-568-8945.

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