Brockel donates longhorns back to Foundation to auction again
The Clara Barton Hospital Foundation’s tradition of auctioning a set of longhorn steer horns continues for the 24th year.
Debra Brockel, PA won the horns at last year’s benefit, and they have been a great promotion tool for the Foundation. “I’m proud to have the longhorns displayed outside my office – it’s a great conversation starter with visitors. It has brought awareness to all the good things the Foundation does: support the Hospital, support the community, support healthcare in general.”
Even though they are in great location, Brockel is continuing the tradition by donating the longhorns back to the Foundation to be auctioned off again at the 22nd Annual Benefit Auction tonight.
Brockel is a family care practitioner at Clara Barton Medical Clinic and has the longhorns displayed outside her office door in the clinic with the plaque listing all of the Longhorns since the tradition started in 1991, one year after the creation of the Foundation and the name change of the Hospital. The steer horns were first donated to the Foundation by First Kansas Bank and their president, Bill Lebert, of Hoisington. Kay Lebert, his wife, was a dietician at Clara Barton, and they have been valued members of the Foundation and have supported the community at large generously over the years.
The horns measure over six and a half feet long, from tip to tip. In today’s market, they would fetch around $300, but are usually auctioned for more. Last year, Brockel won with a $2,200 bid. This year’s event, the 22nd Annual Benefit, including golf tournament, dinner, and auctions, is Friday, and the proceeds will go to support the Hospital’s Therapy Services and Laundry Expansion Project.
The Foundation will be again auctioning the horns, allowing any supporter to “Take the Bull by the Horns.” Supporting the Foundation, through the purchase of any auction items, supports Clara Barton Hospital as a not-for-profit hospital, leading to an investment back into its programs and services.
“I’ve had my eye on the horns since I started working here in 2007, so being able to win them in the auction last year was great,” says Brockel. She challenges the Longhorns who follow after her to show support for the Foundation. “The question now is ‘Who will get them this year?’”