Sunflower Diversified Service’s Westside Market was the scene of this week’s Great Bend Chamber of Commerce Coffee. Cody Harris, Sunflower’s director of planned giving and community support, invited guests to look at the art and other items made by the nonprofit agency’s clients, as well as items sold on consignment.
Some of Sunflower’s clients’ projects have included sewing and woodworking, and making works of art, custom mats, hat racks, and candles, all of which are sold at the store. Vendors add snack items, soaps, and “a little bit of everything.”
The UPS Store is also located in the same building at 5220 10th St.
“The big reason why we’re having this coffee is we are celebrating our 20th Annual Charity Gala,” Harris said. The event will take place Sept. 13 at the Great Bend Events Center. The time has passed for “early bird” tickets but first-time attendees can get $25 off the regular $100 ticket price for an evening that includes a charity auction, open bar, “phenomenal” dinner by Union Catering in Hays, and a raffle. There will also be fun things, such as a game of Ultimate Rock, Paper, Scissors, and live music by Lightfoot and Buehler.
“If you can’t make it, you can still participate in our online auction,” Harris said. There are over 160 auction items, with 18 “live” auction items, including four trips. For more information or to sign up, visit the website sunflowerdiv.com.
“All of the money we raise goes to better support the kids and adults that we support, and we couldn’t do it without our community.”
People know Sunflower for its recycling center and its transportation services, but its true mission is serving infants, toddlers and adults with developmental disabilities and delays in Barton, Pawnee, Rice, Rush and Stafford counties.
Sunflower CEO Shelby Zuniga said there are 80 adults at this time in full-time day and residential services, and a case-management list of about 140 people. They see over 300 children a year in the early education programs, and transportation provides about 15,000 rides a year. Funding comes from Medicaid, grants and donations.
Chamber announcements
• Daniela Garcia, owner of Fiesta Cart with Dani, is a new Chamber member. Her “fun mobile cart with endless possibilities” offers mini pancakes and more and can often be found at 3122 10th St., across the street from the Great Bend Events Center.
• Wednesday, Sept. 3 will be Kids Ag Day at the Diamond K Farm in rural Great Bend. Fourth graders from throughout Barton County will spend a day on the farm.
• Pilot Club of Great Bend is selling tickets for a meat drawing featuring Ellinwood Packing Plant and Pilot Club members have also taken over the Pecan Sale that used to be done by the Presbyterian Women at First Presbyterian Church.
• Thursday’s coffee was provided by Avast Ye Java. Owner Charles Fitz said his supplier can provide custom labels and product for fundraisers.
• Wheatland Electric Cooperative is participating in National Drive Electric Month with a new twist on its annual event: EVs & Espressos! This come-and-go gathering will take place from 9 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 17, in the back lot at WEC’s Great Bend office located at 200 10th Street. Enjoy a complimentary cup of coffee and breakfast while learning more about the benefits of electric vehicles and clean energy.
• Golden Belt Community Foundation invites charitable organizations in Barton, Edwards, Pawnee, Rush and Stafford counties to participate in this year’s Giving Tuesday campaign. Sign up at goldenbeltcf.org. The deadline is Sept. 10.
• Arby’s is about to start its semiannual Make a Difference Campaign, primarily focused on helping children. Donations will be accepted over four weeks for projects such as Folds of Honor and No Kid Hungry. Great Bend Arby’s Manager Dave Storjohann said they partner with the Kansas Food Bank and 75% of the donations stay in this area. He also said three local schools have scheduled fundraisers with Arby’s in September.
• The 19th Annual Chamber Golf Tournament is Sept. 26. They are taking entries and sponsors. Learn more about this and other events on the Chamber events calendar on the Chamber website, greatbend.org.
• The next Chamber Coffee will be hosted by the Central Kansas Partnership at 9 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 4, at the Chamber of Commerce Board Room, 1125 Williams St.
