Friends and families gathered on March 13th at the Edna W. Runner Tutorial Center, in Jupiter, to celebrate its grand re-opening, and to cheer the completion of its $2 million construction project that broke ground in January 2019.
Following a lively ribbon cutting outdoors, with officials, board members, students, volunteers and teachers, Edna W. Runner led a short program to thank all who made the dream of expanding programs and services for children, families, and members of the senior community – a reality. Runner introduced Derrick Pollock, an alumni of the Center, who shared his personal story of how, as a child, the afterschool program, and Runner’s genuine caring, guided him on a positive path.
The short program, emceed by Tim Byrd “The Byrdman” from True Oldies Channel 95.9, kicked off with Board Chairman Lee Owen, who welcomed guests and introduced Runner.
Guests were treated to musical performances by the students, that got the crowd dancing on their feet – and amazing food samplings, provided by Little Moir’s.
Next, guests, among the first to enter, toured the refurbished, enhanced Center, to experience first-hand, improvements to the afterschool facility that include: a state-of-the-art kitchen to support cooking lessons, music instruction room and counseling room. The structure has a new roof, HVAC, added office and classroom space and more science materials and equipment. Outdoor recreation and learning spaces were increased and will now also include a new synthetic turf playground, event and sports field and regulation-length basketball court. The Simon’s Giving Garden will house a butterfly garden and provide students a natural environment to learn about healthy eating by planting, harvesting, and cooking with the seeds they will sow! Additional parking will provide easy access to the entrance for visitors to the facility.
In a vast showing of support, guests ordered recorders for the music program and too home adopted plants to help fund the new garden.
To date, the $2M Capital Campaign to expand the campus and community services has raised $1.67M. Corporate and Naming opportunities are available to bridge the $320,000 capital funding gap and help the Center avoid loan interest payments.
To learn more about the Edna W. Runner Tutorial Center, or to make a donation, email [email protected], or call 561.745.0950.
