Sunflower accepting reservations, donations for charity gala

The location for the big event is changing but the Charity Gala promises to treat participants to the same great time and great food they have come to expect, said Connie Oetken, Sunflower Diversified Services director of development.
The ninth annual Gala, which is sponsored by Sunflower Diversified, is set for 5:30-10 p.m. Saturday, March 1 at the Great Bend Convention Center. The menu includes hors d’oeuvres, prime rib dinner with all the trimmings, wine at every table and an open bar.
“Many of our supporters have already made their reservations and we encourage others to do so at their earliest convenience,” Oetken said. “We need to have a final head-count by Feb. 17 so that our caterer knows what to expect.”
Classic Inn is catering the event.
The Gala agenda includes live and silent auctions, Sunflower’s version of Deal or No Deal and the opportunity to shoot some hoops for a small donation, Oetken said. Tickets for the event are $100 each and items are being collected now for both auctions.
“This is our biggest fundraiser of the year and the proceeds are so important to our neighbors with developmental disabilities and delays,” Oetken stressed. “We guarantee that every dollar raised is used in our five-county service area to directly help the people we serve.
“Many times people believe that tax dollars finance everything our clients need,” Oetken continued. “That is far from the truth. While we appreciate all taxpayer contributions, they don’t cover many services and adaptive equipment. We must rely on the kindness of central Kansans.”
For more information, or to make a reservation or donation, contact Oetken by calling 620-792-1325.
Sunflower serves infants, toddlers and adults in Barton, Pawnee, Rice, Rush and Stafford counties.