Kim Killin, in front, and Kathy Browning celebrate a successful bid during the live auction portion of Saturday’s event. — The Holyoke Enterprise | Johnson Publications
Jimmie Bailey III gallops his way to the win in the Wild Horse Diamond Run game at Melissa Memorial Hospital Foundation’s Legacy Event on Saturday, July 10, at Phillips County Event Center. Also pictured with her stick horse is Alyssa Metzger. — The Holyoke Enterprise | Johnson Publications
During Saturday’s live auction, Melissa Memorial Hospital Foundation board member Harry Kinner showcases an angel food cake baked by Fae Lindgren. This particular type of cake has been a longstanding tradition at the Legacy Event and other local fundraisers for many years. — The Holyoke Enterprise | Johnson Publications
Bryan and Tammy Kroeger sport denim overalls while bidding on a silent auction item at the Denim & Diamonds event last Saturday evening. — The Holyoke Enterprise | Johnson Publications
Corrin Myers, at right, helps check in Erin Vieselmeyer and Kyle Carper at the Denim & Diamonds entrance at Phillips County Event Center. — The Holyoke Enterprise | Johnson Publications
Denim & Diamonds event exceeds goal
Melissa Memorial Hospital Foundation recently raised $131,797 at an event they weren’t even sure could take place in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic.
The 11th annual Legacy Event was pushed back from Feb. 13 to July 10, and organizers are excited that preliminary numbers revealed they have exceeded their goal of $100,000 — a goal they set about a year ago — despite the challenges of COVID-19 as well as busy summer schedules.
“We’re very happy,” said MMHF Executive Director Nancy Colglazier.
Around 250 guests attended Saturday’s event at Holyoke’s Phillips County Event Center. MMHF had planned for around 330, but some had to cancel at the last minue due to the peak of wheat harvest.
The theme of Denim & Diamonds created a fun, relaxed atmosphere and possibly attracted more young adults.
After a dinner featuring diamond cut ribeye steak and the diamond blue signature drink, attendees bid on live auction items while keeping an eye on their silent auction bids. Everything from quilts and autographed memorabilia to angel food cakes and jewelry were donated to the auction.
Also included on the auction was a power adjustable exam table that was purchased and then donated to MMH for the physical and occupational therapy department.
Groups and individuals bid for the chance to play the Wild Horse Diamond Run game. It was a bit like musical chairs, except contestants and their stick horses gallopped their way around the circle with their eye on a diamond when the music stopped. Jimmie Bailey III won the game and bragging rights for the rest of the year.
Shanda Willmon was the lucky winner of the raffle drawing for her choice of one of five trips.
The beautiful summer evening ended with guests dancing the night away under a twinkling tumbleweed chandelier.
Funds raised from the Denim & Diamonds Legacy Event will go toward IV pumps and a cardiac monitor system for MMH, scholarships for students pursuing medical degrees and MMHF operations.
Next year’s 12th annual Legacy Event has been set for Feb. 12, 2022.