For once, Hays Arts Council Executive Director Brenda Meder was speechless.

An $11,400 check presented Friday to Meder and HAC Board Member Jennifer Sauer from the Leadership Hays 2012 Class literally caused the two women to drop their jaws in amazement.

Leadership Hays class member Todd Haskell handed over the check from the group’s fundraiser “Support Creative Minds… Chamber Cheques or Wine.”

“I knew that they were working hard. I knew that they would be a great service team,” said Meder,  “but I had absolutely no idea about the check they presented today.  I’m still a little (choked up),”  she said with tears in her eyes.

Leadership Hays class members sold raffle tickets for a $10 donation to win $1,000 in Hays Area Chamber of Commerce Chamber Cheques or 100 bottles of wine.  The winners’ names were drawn during last Friday’s  HAC Summer Gallery Walk.  Mary Gomez won the Chamber Cheques; Randy Basgall,  the Instant Wine Cellar.

“Support Creative Minds… Chamber Cheques or Wine” raised $6,400 which was matched with $5,000 from Leadership Kansas.

The funds will be used by the Hays Arts Council to benefit their children’s program,  including summer art classes, performing arts residencies and experiences, creative writing contest, Famous Figures for 5th Graders and community dance performances.