SANDPOINT — After months of searching, and with several near misses, the Bonner Adult Day Center finally found a sponsor in the Sandpoint Senior Center.

Once open, the day center will offer respite to the caretakers of elderly dementia patients.

The hunt for a sponsor took longer than expected, but the wait paid off with a uniquely qualified sponsor, said BADC organizer Esther Gilchrist.

Director of Sandpoint Senior Center, Norma White, said that because both groups focus on issues dealing with elder care, it makes a good fit to combine their efforts.

“I just decided that this has to be done, and it’s such a perfect mix,” White said.

The senior center’s sponsorship duties will include hiring a certified nurse, approving operations, handling payroll, and creating a business plan for the adult day center.

White is also looking to hire a licensed social worker administrator or someone with equivalent experience.

The day center will look begin offering services two days per week at its newly-acquired downtown location by mid June, according to Gilchrist.

While solidifying a sponsor was an important milestone for the day center, Gilchrist said the group still needs community support.

BADC will host its largest fundraiser to date on June 6 with a benefit dance at the Ponderay Events Center, featuring music from Sandpoint’s Swing Street Band and an open bar from Three Glasses Wine Bar.

Tickets cost $10 and are available at Sandpoint Furniture, Eve’s Leaves and Edward Jones. All persons over 21 years old are welcome, and all proceeds will benefit the BADC.

To inquire about the social worker position, contact White at the Sandpoint Senior Center.