Newman Regional Health is pushing forward with one aspect of its Denim and Diamonds fundraiser, even though the main event for Friday night has been canceled.
The hospital announced its decision to cancel the signature event Tuesday as a reflection of increased COVID-19 cases, both in the community as a whole and in the hospital, even though hospitalizations have remained low. On KVOE’s Morning Show on Thursday, Director of Business Development McKenzie Cinelli said the silent auction continues through 8 pm Friday.
Two Evora Wheeler pies were also moved from the live to silent auction. In addition, there is the grand prize — a yellow diamond and gold pendant from Kari’s Diamonds and Bridal that’s appraised at just under $14,000. Cinelli says raffle tickets for that golden ticket have been added to the silent auction, with the winner having a one-in-three chance of winning the jewelry. Tickets are $10 for one ticket or $20 for three tickets, with the drawing taking place Tuesday at Kari’s.
Cinelli says there was a lot of “heartache and heartbreak” before the decision was made, but she says it was the right decision for the community. Denim and Diamonds has typically brought upwards of 400 people to Emporia State’s Webb Hall, which is close to that space’s capacity. People who have purchased tickets have the option of a refund or using their ticket prices as donations to the campaign. Sponsors also have that option.
The fundraiser and the pre-events now on the community calendar generate around $100,000 per year, if not more, for the annual cause — in this case, a simulated apartment suite for inpatient rehabilitation. Cinelli says the fundraising to this point has put the campaign well ahead of its normal pace, so she is confident the project can move forward on schedule even without Friday’s planned activities.
Residents can go online to 2021dd.givesmart.com or www.newmanrh.org/dd/ for more information.
