A record number of businesses and individuals sponsored the annual Bluestem Communities Gala, which was held at the Meridian Center on November 1st. With over 250 attendees and 21 sponsors, the gala resulted in $68,000 raised for individuals who cannot cover the full cost of their care.
“Quality care for every senior, regardless of their financial means, is a mission of Bluestem Communities,” said James Krehbiel, President/CEO of Bluestem Communities. “This year at the Bluestem Gala the community joined us in that mission and it was touching to see.”
New this year at the gala was a raffle ticket drawing for a vacation for two. Keith and Sandi Martens of Hesston were the winners of the drawing. The couple will have the opportunity to choose from a trip to New York City or a California golf and spa trip.
“The vacation costs were covered by two generous donors, which allowed all proceeds from the raffle ticket sales to go directly to our cause,” said Megan Smith, Director of Grants and Fund Advancement Communication for Bluestem Communities.“We were really excited about this new raffle opportunity and very thankful to the donors who made it possible and all who bought tickets.”
The award-winning duo Ryanhood was the featured entertainment for the evening. The Arizona musicians are known for their two-part vocal harmonies and energetic flares on the guitar, ukulele and mandolin. Dinner was catered by Hesston Bakery & Cafe and Water’s Edge and was served by Hesston and Bethel College students as well as community volunteers.
“I am amazed and humbled by the communities’ willingness to support our benevolence funds— not just through the Bluestem Communities Gala but throughout the year,” said Krehbiel. “Many of our residents and participants have influenced our communities in a positive way. This is all about giving back to those who given so much to us.”
Bluestem Communities is a nonprofit organization in central Kansas made up of several retirement communities and programs dedicated to serving those 55 and better. Bluestem locations include; Kidron Bethel Village in North Newton, Schowalter Villa in Hesston, and Bluestem PACE located in McPherson serving Harvey, Marion, McPherson, Reno, and Saline counties.
Bluestem Communities’ campuses have received the highest possible rating in the U.S. News & World Report’s annual Best Nursing Homes and Bluestem was recently listed #1 on the retirement communities list in Wichita Business Journal’s Book of Lists. Learn more at bluestemks.org.
