Mercy Gala thank-you letter

Seventeen years ago, the Mercy Health Center Foundation held it's first "Capture the Spirit" fund raiser at the Fort Scott National Historic Site. It was originally planned and generally held outside. There have been four occasions which, due to inclement weather, it was necessary to move inside.

Unfortunately, a 70-percent chance of rain was predicted for Aug. 26, this year, and it was necessary to make one of those moves. Thanks to Mid Continental Restoration, one of Fort Scott's major employers and a community-minded industry, a place was available. And thanks to a lot of extra work by Mercy's maintenance, nutritional services, steering committee members and many volunteers who stepped forward, facilities were successfully re-located. We had no other option.

Due to a record crowd of 680 persons plus, being held inside with high humidity, it was, to some degree, a "Hot Time in the Old Town' Saturday evening. Additionally, Food Service couldn't set up as they normally would, and the outstanding buffet took a little longer than usual. Regardless, the entertainment, music, floor show, dancers and refreshments were excellent.

To all of our underwriters, spirit sponsors and attendees, THANK YOU for your understanding of the conditions and for your toleration of the situation. You are a special group of people and we sincerely appreciate your support.

As in previous Galas, all proceeds -- every penny from reservations and refreshment donations -- will remain in Fort Scott and Bourbon County, so as to further Mercy's existing Sports Medicine Outreach Program. Our area's athletes will be direct beneficiaries of this expanded and improved free service.

Fort Scott is blessed with people who readily step forward to help on all of our community's worthwhile annual events. Thanks to them, Fort Scott is a bright spot in Southeast Kansas.

It is not possible to list all of our friends and supporters who loaned us items for decorations and display, nor those who helped us set up, clean up and participated in the Gala that evening. Without them, it couldn't have been done and we are indeed indebted to them.

The Gala Steering Committee members, as always, played a significant role in this and previous Galas. Year after year they collectively and individually stepped forward to plan and orchestrate Southeast Kansas' largest fund-raising social event. We appreciate your "gung ho" attitude and your special skills that make this event a success.

On behalf of the Mercy Health Center Foundation, Inc. Board of Directors, to all those aforementioned, and others too numerous to mention, we sincerely appreciate your contributions.

Gala Steering Committee: Marlene Braker, Charlotte Lunt, Lindsay Madison, Becky Mann, Kale Nelson, Kelly Nelson, Martha Scott, Cathy Thomas, Carla Bryant Farmer, Christa Horn, Shana Emerson, Peggy Fisher, Jill Gray, Lindsey Gulager, Phyllis Hanken, Robin Hixson, Terri Del Chiaro, and Larry Stevenson.

Ken Lunt

President, Mercy Foundation

and Chairman, Gala Steering Committee