Per the Governor’s reopening plan announced on May 14, the Clara Barton Hospital Foundation board of trustees and benefit event volunteers have been discussing how to modify the 2020 annual event fundraiser for the best success while following the current gathering restrictions. Out of concern for the safety of all involved and to remain compliant with social distancing guidelines, the Foundation board has made the difficult decision to not proceed with the golf tournament, dinner and auction as normal. While the tradition of gathering in June to support Clara Barton Hospital is too important to completely cancel, things will be a little different for this year’s event scheduled on June 19th.
Considering the ever-evolving situation regarding COVID-19, and the large number of supporters and participants, a difficult decision has been made to cancel portions of the event and customize the fundraiser to offer the safest environment possible during this unique situation. Thanks to loyal event sponsors, the spirit of a 27th annual event will continue in a social distancing format, including a curbside dinner and cruise night to show appreciation to all front-line heroes in our community while still raising important funding for the hospital.
“The Foundation’s annual benefit has proven to be near and dear to this community’s heart,” said Foundation Director Michelle Moshier. Every year, the golf tournament, dinner and auction draw crowds exceeding the Governor’s reopening gathering size limits. For this reason, the auction portion of the event, normally held in conjunction with the dinner, has been canceled. In addition, the golf tournament at Lake Barton Golf Course is being reevaluated for a possible fall tournament.
“While these decisions were not taken lightly, our organization is deeply moved seeing how communities have come forward to support healthcare workers as they navigate through uncertain times,” said Moshier. “Foundation supporters can continue to have a positive impact by participating in the Foundation’s social distancing acceptable event, which will take place on June 19th, and ask that you join in the event’s curbside dinner and cruise night!”
A curbside dinner catered by Great Western Dining and sponsored by Nex-Tech and Nex-Tech Wireless will be available at the front entrance of the hospital from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. The boxed dinner includes carved smoked brisket, green beans, red bliss potato salad, garlic bread, and hot fruit cobbler. Tickets are $15.00 and the event organizers are encouraging the community to support this dinner with a pay-it-forward attitude in celebration of how far we’ve come through this pandemic. Buy a ticket, then if you choose to pay-it-forward, purchase an additional ticket to gift to your favorite frontline hero or someone special to you.
“During times like these, paying-it-forward can have a huge impact on our community,” said Melissa Scheck, Chair of the Annual Benefit Dinner Committee. “Whether it’s your babysitter, handyman, parents, co-worker, daycare provider, sibling, children’s teacher, nurse, or neighbor - we all have someone that has been a guiding light during this pandemic. Providing them with a delicious meal is a such a simple way to let them know that they are loved and appreciated.”
Ticket holders may come anytime between 5:30 and 7:30 PM to pick-up their meals and are encouraged to enter the hospital parking lot by using the southbound lane on Green Street. Vehicles will proceed to the awning area of main entrance for pick-up, continue through the hospital’s parking lot, and exit using the northbound lane on Vine Street.
All dinner tickets must be secured in advance as there will be no ticket sales the night of the event. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling the foundation at 620-653-5012 before June 9th. Advanced sales will allow for an accurate count of meals prepared and time for the gifted tickets to reach their recipients from the pay-it-forward purchaser. Ticket(s) must be presented by the attendee in exchange for the meal(s).
Then from 7:30 – 8:30 PM, join in a main street celebratory cruise night, honoring hometown heroes and embracing the future ahead! Spend an hour cruising in support of everyone who has worked extremely hard to keep our community safe and healthy. Light up downtown main with your headlights, make your posters, honk your horns, circle through businesses and show some love for our hometown heroes!