The 15th Annual Denim and Diamonds signature event was a star-studded sold-out affair Friday evening.
The annual fundraiser benefiting Newman Regional Health saw more than 400 people attending the Emporia State University Memorial Union Ballroom. Newman Events Coordinator Sayler Middleton was ecstatic with the Friday night turnout and the overwhelming support the Emporia community showed over the last two months of fundraising.
Currently in her first year as events coordinator, Middleton says she knew just how supportive the community can be but seeing that support in person Friday night nearly took her breath away.
Before Friday’s signature event began, Newman had already raised $160,000 towards its $200,000 fundraising goal. Middleton credited the whole of Newman saying teamwork and preparation made a major difference.
As part of Friday’s festivities, Newman and the Emporia Community Foundation announced a new Legacy Fund had been established to benefit the hospital with the first donation to the fund being made by Janette Luthi. Luthi says she was moved to donate as her family has strong ties both to the local community and the hospital dating back to Newman’s first year of existence.
On top of all of this excitement, the signature event also included live musical entertainment from multi-platinum recording artist couple Thompson Square who performed several of their greatest hits including their hit single Glass.
The evening, as always, also featured a live and silent auction and the drawing for the $5,000 diamond, sapphire and gold bracelet from Kari’s Diamonds and Bridal which was one by Whitney Hensley. Final fundraising totals are currently pending with all proceeds supporting major equipment purchases including infant hearing equipment, a Mako Arm for robot-assisted joint replacement surgery and a radiology fluoroscopy room.
