Mission & History
Summit 50 Plus Mission
The mission of Summit County Senior Citizens, Inc. (also known as Summit 50 Plus) is to partner with county resources to further philanthropic endeavors, educational programs, and support networks.
Summit County Senior Citizens, Inc. (Summit 50 Plus) is committed to a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment where all members, board members, and volunteers feel respected and valued regardless of gender, age, race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation or identity, disability, education, or any other bias.
Activities and Membership
Since its founding, Summit 50plus has provided a range of activities and events to accommodate the different interests of its members. During a calendar year, there are at least three dozen different activities benefiting people of all fitness levels, whether they’re seeking a relaxing social gathering or a high-intensity ski trip. Summit 50plus also offers enriching opportunities for lifelong learning and volunteering for those interested in giving back to the community. Today, the organization has more than 2,000 members.
Relationship with Summit County
The organization has a close working relationship with Summit County to support staffing and community resource needs. The Summit County Community and Senior Center in Frisco, where most Summit Senior activities take place today, was built using a combination of non-profit and county funding.
Summit County also provides staffing for the senior center and works with Summit 50plus to help older adults in the region connect with resources for legal, health and meal support.
History of Summit 50plus
In 1977, seventeen persons from Summit County came together with a shared vision of developing an organization that supported seniors through fitness and fellowship. This vision became a reality in 1984 with a membership of fewer than 300 members. Originally called Summit County Senior Citizens, Inc. (Summit Senior Citizens) for those persons age 60 years and better, the organization became Summit 50plus in 2023 to be inclusive of additional residents and visitors.
Initially, Summit Senior Citizens used the former Frisco Town Hall (now the Frisco Visitor’s Center) and then the Frisco Community Center at Third and Granite for many of their activities. In 1990 Summit County Senior Citizens, Inc earned non-profit status; in less than a decade they received adequate funding and land donation to begin construction of what is now known as the Summit County Community and Senior Center. This building is the center of Summit 50 Plus activities.
Timeline
| Year | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1977 | Seventeen individuals with a shared vision initiated efforts to provide activities and fellowship for those 60 years of age and better. |
| 1984 | Summit County Senior Citizens, Inc. formed. |
| 1980 | First Annual Winter Games held. |
| 1980 | Summit County Senior Service Program through the Department of Health and Human Services initiated. |
| 1983 | Regular monthly meetings initiated. Fun fact: A motion was made to buy a gavel for the president to use and it is still in use today. |
| 1989 | Activities moved from former Frisco Town Hall building to Frisco Community Center at Third and Granite. |
| 1990 | Received non-profit status. |
| 1993 | Channel 6 televised 13th Annual Winter Games with 183 participants. |
| 1995 | 15th Annual Winter Games held with 169 participants; oldest participant was 91 years and he started racing at age 78 years. |
| 1996 | Hug-a-Bear program launched. |
| 1998 | Summit County Community and Senior Center opened in Frisco. |
| 2004 | Dorn Long donated $110,000 with one stipulation – there would be an annual bridge tournament free for all who attended until money used (in 2014 the fund was depleted). |
| 2009 | Obtained grant and donation monies to keep Meals-on -Wheels active. |
| 2017 | Developed Summit Seniors stand-alone website, listing 53 sponsored groups with over 2,000 members. |
| 2018 | Harriett Bobo’s estate donated $140,000, largest donation to date. |
| 2023 | Summit Senior Citizens changed its name to Summit 50plus, thus encouraging those residents and visitors aged 50 and better to enjoy its benefits. |
| 2024 | Summit 50plus developed two membership categories: Standard Membership for persons aged 50 years and better, Supporting Membership for persons aged 49 years and younger. |
