Tickets are on sale and auction items are being collected now for the Sunflower Diversified Services Charity Gala. This 8th annual event is set for 5:30 p.m. Saturday, March 2, in the Heritage Room at the Highland Hotel, 3017 10th, Great Bend.
Sunflower is a non-profit agency serving infants, toddlers and adults with developmental disabilities and delays in Barton, Pawnee, Rice, Rush and Stafford counties.
One of the unique items in the live auction is a black Fender electric guitar that was personally autographed by Mick Jagger and the Rolling Stones on Oct. 3, 2005, in Washington, D.C. Chris and Vicki Batchman of Ellinwood donated the guitar.
Chris bought the guitar at a Mecum auction during another fundraiser last spring in Kansas City.
“We have all the proof of authenticity and thought this would be a great way to help support all the families that Sunflower serves,” Vicki said. “These are people who want nothing more than to help themselves but they need a boost now and then.
“And it can be a relatively simple thing,” she added. “It could be a basic ramp up to the front porch, a piece of adaptive equipment or a communication device. The Gala is a great avenue to help people have more opportunities to lead rewarding lives.”
Sunflower encourages live- and silent-auction donations that run the gamut in value, said Connie Oetken, Sunflower director of development.
“It is great when we can offer this special guitar because of the generosity of the Batchmans, as well as items for anyone’s pocketbook,” Oetken said. “We appreciate every contribution to our Gala.”
Each $100 ticket includes a social hour, gourmet dinner, open bar, Sunflower’s version of Deal or No Deal cases and something new for March Madness fans. This event will challenge participants to shoot some hoops and donate to Sunflower clients at the same time.
“Our Gala is the biggest fundraiser of the year and we are hoping for a great turnout,” Oetken said. “Central Kansans have supported the people we serve for 47 years and we trust that support will continue at this fun event.”
Those who want more information about tickets, auction donations and sponsorships are encouraged to contact Oetken by calling 620-792-1325.