A little over a decade ago, Shannon Somers thought it would be a good idea for the Family Crisis Center (FCC) to host a major fundraiser to support victims of abuse.
As the FCC’s financial director, Somers realized the importance of private donations and the first result of the fundraising effort was Ladies’ Night Red Shoes and Bunco Too, which is in its 10th year.
The second result is the Men’s Night Out Cornhole fundraiser, which is in its second year.
Tickets are available now for both events. Ladies’ bunco is set for 6:30 p.m. Friday, March 27; men’s cornhole begins at 6 p.m. Saturday, March 28. Both will be hosted at the Great Bend Events Center, 3111 10th.
The cost for each is $60 or a combo ticket for $100.
“That first year we had 10 bunco tables with 12 players each and now we are up to 40 tables, also with 12 players,” Somers said. “We suggest getting tickets early; the past few years we have sold out pretty fast.”
A group of 12 is not necessary. For example, a group of six might sit with another group of six. Those who wear red shoes receive an extra drink ticket.
Some women may shy away from playing bunco because they don’t know the rules. “But players quickly realize it is a game of chance and no skills are needed. They just roll the dice,” Somers emphasized.
Cornhole attracted about 100 men last year; this year’s goal is 150-200. A participant can bring a partner or team up with someone at the event. There is a $20 buy-in for the tournament. Winner takes the pot.
“We added this men’s event because we want to help them understand what we do at the Family Crisis Center,” Somers explained. “As participants learned more about the scope of our services for children and adults, they gave generously to the cause.”
Auctions/raffles
Donations are being accepted for the ladies’ silent auction and the men’s live auction.
“These can be in any price range,” said Kylee Graves, FCC executive director. “The families we serve appreciate any contribution that helps us support victims of domestic, sexual and child abuse.”
Bidding for the women’s silent auction begins March 22; the men’s live auction is available only at the event.
Raffle tickets also are available now. Prizes are a Louis Vuitton purse and a cornhole set. Winners don’t have to be present.
Purse tickets are $25 each and five for $100. Cornhole tickets are $20 each and three for $50. Sponsorships are available too.
“Participants in these fundraisers at any level can be assured that every dollar raised directly helps local victims,” Graves said. “Community donations are especially important now because federal and state grants continue to be cut. This type of funding is never guaranteed but the need continues to grow.”
More information
Last year, 975 victims were helped in the FCC’s 11-county service area, which entails Barton, Barber, Comanche, Edwards, Ellsworth, Kiowa, Ness, Pawnee, Pratt, Rush and Stafford counties.
Services include the Domestic & Sexual Violence Center and Child Advocacy Center. “Our women’s shelter is vital to our communities, as is the work we do in 21 school districts,” Graves noted. “We trust in the generosity of central Kansans, which allows us to offer these programs and expand in the future.”
The FCC, 1924 Broadway in Great Bend, has set up a website and link to buy tickets; make an auction bid; offer a sponsorship; and answer additional questions.
That site is: https://handbid.app.link/RedShoes2026. The FCC’s phone number is 620-793-9941; the 24-hour crisis hotline is 866-792-1885.
