Mercy Gala to fund equipment, urgent care center, other needs

Fort Scott, Kan. -- The Mercy Foundation Steering Committee has come together for the 18th consecutive year endeavoring to surpass the community benefits of all previous Capture the Spirit Galas.

The Gala which began in 1990, has evolved over time into the largest fund-raising event in both Southwestern Missouri and Southeastern Kansas, Mercy Foundation Gala Steering Committee Chairman Ken Lunt said.

The most important function of the gala, contributing to the betterment of the community, keeps committee members as well as members of the community enthused about each upcoming event.

Although most of the members on the committee have served for many years, the committee members remain excited. Each new year, these members work to create fresh ideas for the fund-raiser, Mercy Health Center Director of Marketing and Development Carla Bryant Farmer said.

Through the years, the gala has allowed Mercy Health Center to purchase many items that benefit several groups in the community, Lunt said.

According to a written document provided by Mercy Health Center, In 1990, the first gala made possible the purchase of emergency room defibrillators (automatic devices used to regain normal heart function in patients already in cardiac arrest) possible.

YAG, a laser for cataract removal, was purchased with the proceeds of the fund-raiser in 1991, and the 1992 Gala donated money which made building the home health building possible. The proceeds of the 1993 event were used to purchase emergency pediatric ear, nose and throat equipment.

The 1994 purchase of a hospice van allowed Sister Concetta Cardinale, who came to be known as "the nun on the run," to perform compassionate ministries. With the purchase of this van, Sister Concetta had more reliable transportation that allowed her to minister to individuals or families in distress.

An ambulance and home health education materials were acquired with the money earned from the 1995 and 1996 events.

In 1997, a courtesy transportation van was purchased. This van provides much needed transportation to individuals in the area who would not have transportation to the doctor otherwise.

A bike helmet program for area grade school children was made possible with the profits of the gala in 1998.

The gala events that occurred beginning in 1999 and ending with the 2001 event helped fund the building of the new Mercy Health Center.

Bone densitometry equipment, used to measure osteoporosis, was purchased with the proceeds from the 2002 gala.

In 2003 nine portable automated external defibrillators were purchased and training sessions conducted to ensure proper usage.

Mammotone breast biopsy equipment and CT with calcium scoring capabilities were purchased with the funds from the 2004 and 2005 galas.

In 2006 the gala provided equipment for a youth sports medicine program for children from kindergarten through high school. Through this program, medically trained personnel are present at all ball games to help assist in times of crisis.

This year, the Gala goal is to raise enough money for an MRI breast coil, a sleep lab, and an urgent care center, Farmer said.

The Gala has not only been created to help the community, but it is also open to any individual in the community who wishes to attend the evening banquet and dance. The purchase price for a Gala ticket is $45.

This reservation will give residents the opportunity to enjoy a wonderful buffet, a pre-show, a live band, dancing and a night of fun.

For more information or to make a reservation, please contact Farmer at (620) 223-7026.