BUSINESS NEWS
For over three decades, a special tradition has thrived within our community: the annual auctioning of longhorns to support the Clara Barton Hospital Foundation. Each year, various businesses and community members purchase these iconic horns, only to donate them back for auctioning in the following year. The foundation is excited to announce this long-lived tradition will continue at the upcoming live auction on June 15.
Last year, Dr. Keith and Becky Ritter joined the esteemed group of benefactors who have embraced the longhorns tradition. Their generous contribution, combined with auction proceeds, raised over $57,000 to support the replacement of the telemetry patient monitoring system throughout the hospital.
The Ritters are well-known, community advocates with strong family values. Dr. Keith Ritter’s distinguished dental career spanned 64 years, including two years in the Air Force and 62 years at his practice in Hoisington, before retiring in 2020. He also served on the Clara Barton Hospital staff for over 50 years, performing dental procedures. His wife, Becky, has been actively involved in the community, volunteering with Clara Barton fundraisers for several years. She helped secure auction items for past events and continues to donate the popular “Branson Getaway” live auction experience.
“We have always been so thankful for the Clara Barton organization and the impact it has within our community,” said Becky Ritter. “At last year’s event, we just felt like it was time to bid on the longhorns and be a part of that tradition.”
Currently displayed in the main hallway at Clara Barton Medical Center, the longhorns will be donated back by the Ritters to be auctioned once again at the 31st Annual Benefit Auction.
“Having a hospital and clinic in town that is constantly evolving and acquiring innovative equipment, great providers, and adding much-needed services is something that Dr. Ritter and I truly value,” added Ritter. “We appreciate the role the foundation plays in advocating for the hospital and can’t wait to see who steps up to bid for the longhorns at this year’s benefit.”
The longhorn tradition began in 1991, a year after the Foundation’s creation and the Hospital’s name change. The steer horns were first donated by First Kansas Bank and their former president, the late Bill Lebert. His wife, the late Kay Lebert, a former dietitian at Clara Barton, was also a valued member of the Foundation. They both supported the Hoisington community generously for years.
The longhorns measure over six and a half feet long, from tip to tip, and have become a coveted item. Though valued at around $400 in today’s market, they typically fetch much higher bids at the auction. This year's benefit proceeds will go towards funding a new chemistry analyzer for the hospital's laboratory.
Supporting the foundation by purchasing auction items is crucial for Clara Barton Medical Center, a not-for-profit organization, as it enables investment in its programs and services. The longhorn tradition will be one of the many highlights of the live auction, allowing attendees to bid and “Take the Bull by the Horns.”
Unlike the live auction items, numerous silent auction items will be available for online bidding, allowing supporters from anywhere to participate on Friday, June 14th, and Saturday, June 15th, and secure some amazing, unique items. To register for the online auction, visit one.bidpal.net/clarabarton or text "clarabarton" to 243725 to receive the link.