COMMUNITY COMMENTARY:

As a nonprofit organization, the Costa Mesa Senior Center relies on its income from several sources — these can include government grants, donations, fundraising money, and trusts.

In these difficult economic times, the center is by no means immune to cutbacks experienced by people and businesses everywhere. We too, face the “devolution” of funding.

Devolution is a word used a great deal these days among nonprofit leaders. Essentially, devolution is short-hand for a strong trend of cutbacks in funding; thus, devolution is associated with the end of what is often called “entitlements” to services previously guaranteed.

Devolution brings many challenges to nonprofit leaders. They must operate more effectively in the face of reduced funding. They must consider substantial changes in the way they have operated. Concepts such as strategic alliances and restructuring will become commonplace.

We at the center are in this position as money is not coming in as it has in previous years.

Foundations and contributors are all feeling the crunch of today’s economy, and it is trickling down to our organization.

In today’s economy it is difficult to raise funds for any organization, but we have come across an investor, Carol Klein Fine Jewelry, wishing to buy gold from our members and by so doing, will help us raise funds so that we can continue to offer programs and services to benefit our seniors.

Does your jewelry box contain old bracelets, class rings, an earring that has no match, or a broken necklace? How about your ex-boyfriend or ex-husbands’ rings? Bring that scrap gold to our gold party and turn it into cash.

Of all the precious metals, gold is the most popular as an investment. Investors generally buy gold as a hedge or safe haven against any economic, political, social or currency-based crises. These crises include investment market declines, inflation, war and social unrest.

With the price of gold going up, Carol Klein Fine Jewelry will pay you more than those TV ads, pawn shops, or other jewelers. This is not a gimmick. They will be at the Costa Mesa Senior Center on April 27 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The center is at 695 W 19th St., Costa Mesa. You can also call at (949) 645-2356.

They will purchase your gold, platinum, and diamonds and write you a check on the spot, at the same time Carol Klein will be donating 20% to the center. A win-win for all of us! We are looking forward to seeing you and your helping support the center in these challenging days.

AVIVA GOELMAN is the executive director of the Costa Mesa Senior Center.