Hays Area Children’s Center

In the true spirit of holiday giving, two charitable causes are pleased to announce they will be combining fundraising efforts.

On Saturday, Nov. 21, Hays will play host to both The Emerald Ball, a premier gala for Parkinson’s disease awareness, as well as Bright Lights for Little Tykes holiday auction, a long-time fundraiser for Hays Area Children’s Center.

Neither charity sees an issue. In fact, they see it as an opportunity to work together.

Representatives from the Emerald Ball and Hays Area Children’s Center discussed several possibilities that included changing the date. The Emerald Ball planning committee intends to change the date for next year’s event. However, for this year, both parties concluded while their causes were different, they shared a common bond and a collaborative approach would be the ideal option.

“Among its many services, Hays Area Children’s Center assists children with disabilities. The Emerald Ball is an event that hopes to bring awareness to Parkinson’s disease,” said J. Basil Dannebohm, chairman of the Emerald Foundation. “The sad reality is that disability knows no age, it can strike at any time, though it’s far more tragic when it affects a child.”

Dannebohm, along with Dr. Mirta M. Martin, President of Fort Hays State University, will serve as the honorary event hosts of The Emerald Ball, slated to take place at 6:30 p.m. at the Schmidt-Bickle Training Center on the FHSU campus. 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 evening will include a social, silent and live auctions, dinner, and a dance.

The Hays Area Children’s Center suggested providing several items to the live auction portion of The Emerald Ball. Proceeds from those items would support HACC programs and services. These items will include decorated Christmas trees, vacation packages and fine art.

“The auction was the ideal avenue for collaboration,” Dannebohm said.

“We are extremely grateful for the opportunity to partner with another worthy cause, and truly appreciate the generosity of The Emerald Ball organizers,” said Susan Bowles, executive director of Hays Area Children’s Center. “Though our agencies have different missions, we share a common thread of seeking to improve quality of life for people of all ages who are learning to cope with physical or cognitive difficulties.”

Bright Lights for Little Tykes holiday auction will be held at 6 p.m. at the Rose Garden Banquet Hall, 2350 E. Eighth. A $50 ticket includes a bidding number for a live and silent auction, dinner and cocktails.

Hays Area Children’s Center is a non-profit agency in Hays that offers early education services, as well as early intervention supports for young children with developmental delays and disabilities. This program, including special education, therapy and health services, is offered at no cost to families in local communities. Bright Lights for Little Tykes, formerly known as Christmas Tree Auction, has been the agency’s primary fundraiser for nearly 30 years.

“Our staff and the families we serve are grateful for the long-standing support of our local community,” said Bowles.

Tickets for Bright Lights for Little Tykes went on sale Sept. 1. To reserve tickets, contact HACC at (785) 625-3257 or email [email protected].

Tickets for The Emerald Ball are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting the event’s website at www.myemerald.org.