The ballroom of the Ord Veteran’s Club was turned into a beautiful destination in the Orient this past Saturday evening for the Valley County Health System Foundation’s Annual Gala.
From red and white Chinese lanterns hanging from the ceiling to the details of branches, Japanese cherry blossoms, chopsticks and even specially decorated, red-velvet cupcakes, the room was beautiful. Mr. Randy Hansen served as this year’s emcee and kept the night rolling.
The evening began with a social hour at 5:30pm, during which time you could bid on great silent auction items, as well as enjoy delicious appetizers by Melanie Boden of Jubilee. Following the social hour, the crowd was treated to the first of three performances for the Kokyo Taiko Japanese Drummers from Lincoln, NE.
After their performance, the Vet’s Club served a wonderful meal which consisted of chicken, pork, fried rice, new potatoes, stir-fry vegetables, an eggroll & salad, and the crowd enjoyed delicious red-velvet cupcakes made by the food committee.
Next, Becky Ries, Executive Director of the VCHS Foundation presented a Leadership Award to one of her board members, Mr. Roger Lansman. She then spoke to the crowd about a couple needs at VCHS. One was an unweighting system for Rehab, which the Foundation has been gathering funds for, and the other a Power Infuser for the Emergency Room. She challenged the crowd to help raise the funds for the two items and the crowd responded in a very generous fashion, meeting the goal needed for both items.
Next, Steve Wolf of Wolf Auction & Real Estate conducted the live auction, along with the help of Mr. Hansen and Mr. Tim Todsen. Thanks to several generous donors, there was a very nice offering of auction items for those in attendance.
After the auction, a raffle drawing was held and the following were the lucky winners: Teresa Lange-Kindle Fire HD (Donated by Turf Pro); Mary Howell-Two Person Yard Swing (Donated by Lynn & Bonnie Griffith & the Ord Quiz); and Randy O’Brien-$200 Gift Certificate to Amazing Clubs (Donated by Burwell Livestock Market and Cone Feedyard.
The final performance by the Kokyo Taiko drummers included audience participation from five audience members. The group added a fun element of humor to the night and had fun with their short time on stage.
Then the entertainment that everyone had been anticipating began….Comedian Sam Adams! Sam has a smooth, easy way about his humor and the crowd thoroughly enjoyed him. He is a true veteran in Nebraska and shared all the cities and towns he has been too and some of his experiences while in the state. He had the crowd roaring when he talked about being in a dance club and demonstrated someone’s “dance moves.”
The Foundation is so thankful for the generous support of everyone who helped with, attended, or donated toward this annual evening. We feel blessed to be part of this community, & that we are able to give back through the great support given us by all our generous donors. The Foundation would like to thank everyone for helping make the gala possible. Your donations & support touch the lives of so many who are served by Valley County Health System & through the services they offer.
The Foundation’s next fundraiser will be the annual golf tournament & auction, which is scheduled to be held on Friday, July 5, 2013 at the Ord Golf Course, so please mark your calendars & plan to attend.
E-Mail
Print
