In just a few weeks, we look forward to welcoming over 350 attendees, representing ten states, to The Emerald Ball, a gala benefit for Parkinson’s disease awareness. This message, while a bit lengthy, contains useful information to help ticket-holders prepare for the event. Everything from what to wear, what to expect, and where to stay is outlined.

All attendees must have a ticket to attend. There will be no sales at the door. If you need tickets, there are a limited number of “hold” tickets we have released that are available via Eventbrite. These tickets are very limited in quantity. We encourage you to act quickly if you’d like to purchase. Once the hold tickets are gone, the event is sold out.

If you are a table host, please submit the names of your guests to (info at myemerald dot org) These names must be received no later than November 15th, 2015.

The gala will take place on Saturday, November 21st, 2015, on the campus of Fort Hays State University. The Schmidt-Bickle Indoor Training Facility, a $4.2-million facility with a 55-yard artificial turf football field, will be transformed from an athletic arena into a delightful ballroom atmosphere.

The gala is one of those, “grown up” events. There are a few child care providers who have reminded us to remind you that they are available to watch the kiddos while you enjoy your evening. There will be no child care provided by the Emerald Ball. For out of town guests, child care providers are available to come to the hotel. Please call in advance to make arrangements.

Ample parking is available on Elm Street. There will be an unloading area in front of the facility. Doors open and check-in begins at 6:15 p.m.

Social begins at 6:30 p.m. and will feature violinist, Allison Boyt, who was recently profiled on CNN. Baked Brie & Fig Jam in Phyllo Cups, Goat Cheese & Olive Tapenade Crostini, and Smoked Salmon Mousse on Dilled Cucumber Wheels will be served. There will be a cash bar with a variety of drink choices, including a signature, “Emerald Cocktail,” created exclusively for the gala. A special drink ticket, provided at check-in, will allow you to enjoy a complimentary wine, beer, or Emerald Cocktail. As you enjoy the social, you’ll have the opportunity to experience live artistic demonstrations and bid on over $75,000.00 of items in our auction. Members of the Delta Zeta Sorority Chapter will be on hand to answer any questions you might have while exploring the auction merchandise.

Following the social, our program begins promptly at 7:15 p.m. with the musical selections performed by the Fort Hays Singers, presentation of colors, and the invocation by the Reverend Stephen Imbarrato from Albuquerque, New Mexico.

When the event team opens the ballroom, be sure to locate your table so you can enjoy a program like none you’ve likely experienced. This isn’t your typical dinner, program, live auction, and dance like you might be expecting. One thing we can promise – you won’t be bored.

Chef Dan Shadoin, Catering Director, assisted by Mrs. Kim Barnes and the Chartwell’s Culinary Team of Kansas, are pleased to present the menu for the Emerald Banquet: Pumpkin Soup with Crème Fraiche served with warm rolls, Beef Wellington (Eggplant Wellington as the Vegetarian selection), Mushroom Duxelles, Poached Asparagus with Lemon Cream, and Crème Bruleé with Fresh Berries.

The program will be hosted by television personality, Sierra Scott, host of the popular Brett and Sierra Show. Miss Scott will be assisted by Jenn Bates, co-anchor of KWCH Eyewitness News This Morning. The two will be joined on stage by our announcer, Mr. Jerry Haley.

Mr. Larry Carr of Carr Auction and Real Estate in Larned, Kansas will serve as our auctioneer for the evening. Larry will take the stage at various times throughout the evening to auction everything from cruises, to fine art, from grills, to one-of-a-kind pieces of sports memorabilia.

Dr. Chapman Rackaway will offer the Emerald toast. We invite you to raise a glass as Chap toasts the evening. Dr. Mirta M. Martin, President of Fort Hays State University, will offer remarks. Representative-Emeritus J. Basil Dannebohm, founder of the event, will also address attendees. There will also be a special message from Olympic medalist, Tour De France stage winner, and ESPN broadcaster, Davis Phinney.

Two awards will be presented during the evening: The Lisa Reser Award for Outstanding Achievement and The Orville Eaton Award for Outstanding Service. The Reser Award will be presented by Mr. Larry Dreiling, Field Editor of the High Plains Journal, assisted by Mrs. Reser. The Eaton Award will be presented by Miss Kaitlin Berry, a reporter from KSNT Topeka, assisted by members of the Eaton family.

Later in the program, the Fort Hays Pep Band will make an appearance. The evening will culminate with a performance by Ron Neuman and the Diamonds Vocal Band with a special appearance by the Legendary Frankie Valens. You’re invited to dance the night away to the hits of the malt shop era.

While the event takes place on Saturday evening, there are a couple of events on Friday, November 20th that are part of the gala.

On Friday morning, K-12 students from USD 489 will pack Beach-Schmidt Performing Arts Center to take part in, “A Heroes Welcome,” where they will hear from some of our esteemed guests with remarkable stories to share.

Friday afternoon from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., the public is invited to the Robbins Center at Fort Hays State University for a reception honoring Lisa Reser, the Late Orville Eaton, and award recipients: Allison Smith, Roy Roden, and the Herndon Clinic. There will be remarks at 2:00 p.m. and refreshments will be served. Tours of the FHSU Herndon Clinic will follow.

On Friday evening, our friends at the Downtown Hays Development Corporation invite you to attend a Volga German social from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Diamond R Jewelry in Downtown Hays. Remarks will be at 7:15 p.m. There will be a delicious variety of Volga German appetizers as well as live entertainment.

Indeed, known for it’s Volga German hospitality, Hays, Kansas boasts arts, culture, shopping, dining, nightlife, and attractions. As you plan your trip, be sure to include a little time to explore the community. A number of Hays businesses are proud to support the Emerald Ball. We encourage our attendees to shop local while in town.

Guests are encouraged to take advantage of a special rate at the Hampton Inn of Hays. To make a reservation, please call 785-621.4444. Be sure to indicate that you would like the Emerald Ball rate. If you encounter any difficulty in making your reservation, contact 785.656.9393 and a member of the event team will be happy to assist you with your reservation. A limited number of handicap accessible rooms are available. A hospitality room will be available exclusively for out-of-town guests of the Emerald Ball. The room will feature complimentary beverages and snacks. Immediately following the gala, guests are encouraged to stop by the hospitality room for a special toast.

A number of our guests are planning on wearing tuxedos and evening gowns. Should you be more comfortable in a more traditional suit or dress, that is perfectly acceptable. Couture For Men offers quality formal and casual wear for men. Conveniently located in Downtown Hays, the Emerald Ball is pleased to recommend Couture for tuxedo purchase or rental. For details, call 785-621-4905.

Diamond R Jewelry in Downtown Hays, Kansas is pleased to offer guests of the Emerald Ball the opportunity to choose from an exquisite collection of elaborate emerald jewelry for sale or rent. Please note that advance order is required for jewelry rental. For details, call 785.621.4656.

Needing your hair and make up done before the gala? Salon Ten O Seven, situated in historic Downtown Hays, is an invigorating and rejuvenating salon and dayspa, giving the ulitmate in premium salon and spa services. For details on all services, please visit their website, http://www.salon1007.com, or call our friendly guest service staff at 785-628-6000. They also provide destination spa services at their sister location, Rock Haven Spa, 9 miles south of Hays. For exclusive spa appointments please call Rock Haven Spa at 785-650-0772.

As you can see, we have quite an event in store. We’re incredibly grateful to our sponsors for their generosity. Without them, none of this would be possible. We would also like to thank Fort Hays State University, the City of Hays, USD 489, the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Hays Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Downtown Hays Development Corporation for their support, direction, and encouragement.

We look forward to seeing you at The Emerald Ball, a gala benefit for Parkinson’s disease awareness. If you have any questions, please feel free to call our office at 785.656.9393.

Thank you for your time and your support.