The Emerald Ball

Everything from cruises, to fine art, from grills, to one-of-a-kind pieces of sports memorabilia will be up for auction at a gala benefit for Parkinson’s disease awareness, slated to take place in November.

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. on Saturday, November 21st, 2015. 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.

J. Basil Dannebohm, chairman of the Emerald Foundation, 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.”

Larry Carr of Carr Auction and Real Estate in Larned, Kansas will serve as the “Emerald Auctioneer.” Carr is an internationally recognized auctioneer.

The Delta Zeta Sorority chapter of Fort Hays State University stepped forward generously offering their assistance with the auction.

“Assisting with the Emerald Ball makes perfect sense for our sorority,” said Rebecca Vincent, auction coordinator. “Speech therapy is a major part of Parkinson’s treatment and a cause our sorority strongly supports.”

Since 1954, the national philanthropy of Delta Zeta is speech and hearing. Part of the Delta Zeta creed states, “To those whom my life may touch in slight measure, may I give graciously of what is mine,” in recognition of the importance of service.

“There’s something for everybody in the Emerald Auction,” said Vincent. “There will be both a live and a silent auction with items such as spa packages, grills, and an assortment of original pieces of fine art.”

Marshal Allen Bailey, Annika Wooton, and Jerry Thomas, Aaron McCaffery, and Mike Boss have each generously contributed various pieces of fine art in support of the cause.

“When I received the special request from my friend Basil Dannebohm, I did not hesitate,” said artist Jerry Thomas. “I know this is a cause that is very dear to him and I am happy to donate my artwork and support his mission.  It is my distinct honor to be a part of this wonderful event.”

Sports memorabilia up for auction includes a boxing glove autographed by Muhammed Ali, a Chicago Bulls cap autographed by Michael Jordan, a Chicago Bulls sports card autographed by Scottie Pippen, and a rare, one-of-a-kind bicycle valued at upwards of $25,000.00.

“This is the cyclist’s collector’s item of the century,” said J. Basil Dannebohm, event chairman. “A one-of-a-kind shadow box featuring a 1983 Team 7-Eleven Murray road racing bike beautifully restored but sporting the wear and tear as a glimpse into its story of a hard working racing bike.”

The Hays Area Children’s Center will also benefit from the auction.

“Hays Area Children’s Center is grateful for the opportunity to be included in The Emerald Ball auction,” said Kaley Conner, community relations coordinator at HACC. “Our items will include Caribbean vacation packages, several fine art paintings, and three beautifully adorned holiday trees, including one decorated in a black and gold Fort Hays State University theme.”

Items up for auction at the Emerald Ball benefiting the HACC include: 7 nights beachfront resort accommodations at the Galley Bay & Spa in Antigua valued at $3,500, 7 nights beachfront resort accommodations at Palm Island, The Grenadines, valued at $3,500, 5 nights accommodations at Los Establos Boutique Inn, Boquete, Panama, valued at $2,700, a large, artificial Christmas tree decorated in a black and gold theme to honor FHSU, a large “Home for the Holidays” artificial Christmas tree decorated with a classic color scheme of red, green and gold, a large “French Country” artificial Christmas tree adorned in elegant white.

“The Emerald Foundation is incredibly grateful to our generous donors, our partners, to Larry Carr, Rebecca Vincent, and the Delta Zeta Sorority,” said Dannebohm. “The auction is a major component of the ball. We’re very confident is Rebecca’s leadership and Carr’s amazing auctioneer style.”

Advance ticket purchase is required. The deadline for purchase is October 31st. For more information, visit http://www.myemerald.org.