A few dozen items for the silent and live auctions at Sunflower’s Charity Gala have been collected but more are still needed.

          “We have received a lot of great donations and appreciate every single one of them,” said Connie Oetken, director of development at Sunflower Diversified Services. “But we can certainly use many more.”

          So far, auction items include a black-and-white diamond ring; deluxe corner plant-box bench set; German 16 gauge double-barrel shotgun; a Big Tex Traeger grill with a Kansas City Royals lid; Apple Watch; Fitbit; Cajun dinner for 10; Classic Inn dinner for 10; a stay at The Lodge at Branson; and Papa Murphy’s party trailer.

          In addition, there are many tools and wall hangings, along with a lot of college and professional sports memorabilia.

          Tickets are still available for the whole evening of entertainment, food and a short presentation about the people Sunflower serves in Barton, Pawnee, Rice, Rush and Stafford counties.

          “We still have tickets for this great annual event that supports our neighbors with developmental delays and disabilities throughout central Kansas,” Oetken said. “This is our 50thanniversary and we are hoping for the best turnout yet.”
          The Charity Gala is set for Saturday, March 5 at the Great Bend Events Center, 3111 10th in Great Bend. Social hour begins at 5:30 p.m. and dinner will be served at 7 p.m.

          Tickets are available for $100 each. This donation includes a prime rib or chicken breast dinner with all the trimmings, wine at every table and an open bar. Classic Inn will cater the meal.

          “This is our biggest fundraiser of the year,” Oetken noted. “The more people who support our non-profit agency, the more people we can help. Tax dollars do not come close to covering all the needs and Gala proceeds help us fill the gaps.”

          For more information or to make a donation, contact Oetken by calling 620-792-1325.