Mountain West Bank pledges $5,000 to Lake City Center for new floor

COEUR d’ALENE — You could say a $5,000 donation from Mountain West Bank to the Lake City Center floored Bob Small.

“I couldn’t believe they stepped forward like that,” he said Monday. “They’re a fantastic partner. They’re good friends.”

The contribution is a big step toward raising the funds for a new floor at the site for seniors where they dance, meet for lunch, socialize and play bingo.

Small, administrative director of the center, said all 3,200 square feet of space in the banquet and dining area is decades old, worn out and has even become a hazard, with some patrons tripping on uneven areas.

With this latest gift, they have raised more than $20,000 toward the goal of $26,000 — $13,000 through the bingo program.

“This will ensure safety for the many visitors who call Lake City Center their second home, and will greatly reduce our floor maintenance costs,” Small said.

Beka Johnson, Mountain West’s director of community relations, said they were happy to help the seniors after being alerted to the problem.

On a visit, she said she could see how worn the floor was and that it appeared to be a safety risk.

“They’re pretty amazing folks,” she said. “They do a lot of good for our community.”

Small said there are different surfaces in the dining room and banquet room, they are uneven, and seniors have tripped because of it. Nails are even popping up.

He said he hopes other businesses or individuals will contribute so they can get the rest of the money, and issued his own challenge asking corporations to match Mountain West Bank.

Once the funds are in hand, they hope to start construction. The project is expected to take a few days.

About 400 seniors visit the center each week for activities. A new floor will make it nicer and also enhance their ability to rent out the center, Small said.

“That’s a major way to make income here,” he said.

To donate, contact Small, 667-4628.