A major expansion is slated to take place at Al’s Chickenette, 700 Vine. The project will include paving the entire lot and a building project that will result in an additional 100 seats and a bar. Fans of the Hays landmark will have the opportunity to bid on “naming rights to the bar” at an upcoming gala for Parkinson’s disease awareness.
The Emerald Ball will be held in the Schmidt-Bickle Training Center on the campus of Fort Hays State University at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21. Net proceeds will benefit the Emerald Foundation, the Hays Area Children’s Center and the Davis Phinney Foundation. The gala will include a social, silent and live auctions, dinner, and a dance.
In support of the cause, Caroline Von Lintel and Gary Reiman, owners of Al’s Chickenette, have donated “naming rights to the bar,” hosting privileges at the first VIP party, a personalized booth with a name plaque, and a year’s worth of chicken dinners (two two-piece dinners every month for 12 months) to the highest bidder at the gala. The donation has a total value of $15,000.
“The cause is one that’s very near and dear to my heart,” said Von Lintel. “My maternal grandmother died of Parkinson’s and my aunt on my fathers side. I also have a 45-year-old cousin who also suffers from the disease.”
In 2014, Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback declared Al’s Chickenette the oldest business in the community, celebrating 68 years in business. With the expansion, comes hopes of many more years serving up delicious fried chicken, loved by locals and tourists alike.
Emerald Foundation Chairman J. Basil Dannebohm along with Dr. Mirta M. Martin, president of Fort Hays State University, will serve as the honorary event hosts. Wichita television personality Sierra Scott will emcee the gala. Scott will be joined on stage by Jenn Bates, co-anchor of KWCH “Eyewitness News This Morning.”
Frankie Valens, who shot to fame in the 1960s and enjoyed hits with “This Magic Moment” and “The Lion Sleeps Tonight,” will perform during the event alongside Ron Neuman and the Diamonds Vocal Band. The Diamonds launched to fame in 1956 with their first hit “Why do Fools Fall in Love,” followed by 15 more Top Hits that sold more than 16 million copies including “Little Darlin,” “The Stroll” and “Silhouettes.”
“The Emerald Foundation’s mission is a good one,” said Von Lintel. “This gala is just the beginning of what will be a shiny future for the organization. When I think of all the lives the foundation will touch, when I see such hard work on behalf of Parkinson’s disease awareness, it gives me hope.”
Other items up for auction at the gala include everything from cruises, to fine art, from grills, to sports memorabilia, including a one-of-a-kind shadow box featuring a 1983 Team 7-Eleven Murray road racing bike valued at upwards of $25,000.
Tickets to the Emerald Ball must be purchased in advance by visiting the event website at http://www.myemerald.org.