Those who want to help with the upcoming Sunflower Diversified Services Charity Gala have a list of items to choose from. The event is set for 5:30 p.m. Saturday, March 3 at the Highland Hotel, 3017 10th, Great Bend.

Sunflower serves children and adults with delays and disabilities in Barton, Pawnee, Rice, Rush and Stafford counties.

"We are working diligently to gather sponsorships and items for our live and silent auctions," said Connie Oetken, Sunflower director of development. "And, of course, we are hoping to see familiar faces and many newcomers on the big night."

Tickets to the gala are available now for $100 each. This donation includes a prime rib dinner, with wine on every table and an open bar. The golf-putting competition is returning for its second year and there will be a brief presentation about the people Sunflower serves.

"This is our biggest fundraiser of the year and once again we are trusting in the generosity of central Kansans," Oetken noted. "Every cent we earn from these private donations goes directly to children and adults with delays and disabilities. When you donate to Sunflower, you can be assured your charitable dollars remain in our five-county service area."

Money donated helps supplement the costs of direct services, such as early education, independent living and employment opportunities. State and local tax revenues do not come close to adequately funding these and other Sunflower services, Executive Director Jim Johnson said.

"In addition, donations to the gala and other Sunflower fundraisers help pay for adaptive equipment, communications devices, and medical and dental care for Sunflower clients," Johnson added. "There is so much that tax revenues cannot cover. The gala and other events throughout the year help us offer this crucial support to the people we serve."

Anyone with questions or donations is encouraged to contact Oetken by calling 620-792-1325.