An Occasion To Remember: Hundreds participate in 19th annual Mercy gala

Kansas City entertainer Rudy Amato (right) sings Dean Martin's "Ain't That a Kick in the Head," alongside Jimmy Smith, Fort Scott, during Mercy Health's gala Saturday night. Rayma Silvers/Tribune Photo

More than 640 people attended the Mercy Health Center Gala on Saturday, making it the second most attended gala in its 19-year span.

The evening "Under the Tuscan Sun" was dedicated to the memory of the late Charlotte Lunt, who served as the gala decorating committee chair for 18 years. According to the evening's program guide, Charlotte will be remembered for years to come.

"... In closing, we dedicate this Gala to her (Charlotte) memory," the program said. "May we all honor Charlotte by taking a leaf from her book and carrying it forward in our lives. She celebrated life with her great kindness and caring for others and her wonderful sense of humor. Her legacy will continue to live on in her wonderful family, the Gala and especially in our hearts."

The proceeds of Saturday's Gala will be used to help build a new Cancer Care Center for the outpatient treatment of cancer, a cause which Charlotte would have supported, having had to take care of her husband Ken while he was battling cancer, the program said.

"Charlotte knew all too well the struggles of traveling out of town with Ken to receive treatment," the program said.

When asked what he thought about the Gala, Ken Lunt said he was pleased with the turn-out on Saturday night. Adding that about one-third of the community attended the Gala this year, and the money that was raised from their attendance will help people for years to come.

"All proceeds go toward the Cancer Care Center. It's a special kind of project," Ken said. "One out of four people develop cancer, so I know this will help a lot of people."

Bourbon County Commissioner Bill Brittain said he has enjoyed attending the Gala each year.

Rayma Silvers/Tribune Photo Hundreds of attendees made their way to the Mercy gala dance floor Saturday night during the 19th celebration.

"That (Gala) is always a worthwhile event," Brittain said. "It's one of the largest events in our area. The money raised always goes to a worthwhile cause. This year's money was for the cancer center. Now, patients will not have to drive a long way for treatment," he said.

Adding that Mercy Health Center typically tries to be attentive to the needs of the community, and the cancer center will meet a lot of people's needs.

Stacia Weilert, an event attendee, said she really enjoyed herself at this year's Gala.

"I love attending the gala," Weilert said. "It is an opportunity to be with people that we work with or see on a daily basis around town, in a different capacity, enjoying the music, dancing and sharing laughs. The band was fantastic, and I love dancing the night away with friends. I wish it came around more than once a year," she added.

Local businessman and member of the Gala Steering Committee Kale Nelson said he was pleased with the yearly event. Attributing some of the evening's success to the air-conditioned facility and the elegant decorations.

Ken, who also attributed part of the evening's success to the atmosphere, said there are many people who need to be thanked for their diligence regarding the Gala.

"There are so many to thank -- the Steering Committee, the Mercy Nutrition Department, Mercy Maintenance Department and all the many volunteers and sponsors who gave of their time to help set up for the event," Ken said.

Mercy Health Center Director of Marketing and Development Carla Bryant Farmer attributed the evening's success to members of the local community.

"All of us are gratified and appreciative of the continuing support of the community for the last 19 years," Farmer said.

In addition to the food, dancing and music provided by both Private Stock and the Pre Show performers, Rudy Amato, and Jim Smith; event attendees were also entertained during the distribution of the evening's drawings. After the spinning of the wheel had concluded, three lucky winners walked away with Gala prizes. Area resident Tim Bloomfield was the recipient of a dinner at Josie's Italian Restaurant in Scammon, Kan.; and Eric Cauthon was given an Italian Gift Basket. Local resident, Shawn Pytlowany was awarded the grand prize for the evening, a $1,000 travel voucher, which could be used in Little Italy in Chicago or as Pytlowany wishes to use it.

"It is a fundraiser, but it is also a friendraiser," said Farmer.