‘Hearts on Fire’ for elder care

By Becky Uehling

Grant Tribune-Sentinel

Hearts were on fire for the building of a new elder care facility in Perkins County during Western Sky Community Care Center’s Valentine Gala on Saturday at the fairgrounds in Grant. Nearly 150 people came for a night filled with food, dancing and auctions, with approximately $104,000 raised during the evening. 

One of the evening’s biggest announcements included the donation of a substantial monetary gift from the Madrid United Methodist Church committee members in memory of their past and present members. The church is in the process of closing because of low attendance and declining members. 

Church Chairman Denise Lee said the church donated to several organizations within Perkins County, including to the building of Western Sky. 

“Our hearts are set on helping as many people possible,” Lee said. “We wanted to spread Gods love by leaving a legacy in memory of our church. It is our wish to keep the spirit of our church alive through helping others. Having a care facility is so important for so many reasons.” Look for a larger article on the church in future editions. 

About the church’s gift, WSCCC Board President Mark Bottom said, “We have trusted that God is part of this effort, and the gift from the church, along with the continued support from the community, only furthers our hope in that.” 

Auctions

The gala featured a silent and live auction, in addition to a Surprise Your Sweetheart raffle. 

Some of the items that were available for live or silent auction during the evening included a 20-foot car trailer donated by Country Load Trailer Sales of Madrid; a set of pallet forks for a skid-steer donated by Dean Wingate; 12 gauge shotgun from Hatcher Gun Company; Tjaden Ranch beef bundle; photo session by Chris Loeffler Photography; duck hunting trip package from Leland and Cathy Poppe; handmade quilts from Diana Pankonin and Patricia Story; and many other items. Serving as auctioneer for the evening was Burge Auction. Matt Chandler Smith of Orpheus Music & Sound served as Master of Ceremonies and provided music for the dance. 

“We were overwhelmed by the level of support from the businesses and individuals who served as sponsors or donated for the auctions at the gala,” said WSCCC member, and gala organization chairperson Genie Bishop. “We especially want to thank all those who attended and helped to make it a wonderful event.”

WHERE WSCCC
IS NOW:

WSCCC has had one meeting with the USDA concerning funding for the new facility, and a second meeting will be scheduled soon, said Bottom. 

“The meeting with the USDA will deal with our group’s market study,” Bottom said. “We felt our first meeting two weeks ago was positive and that breaking ground in summer of 2023 is attainable. We are working hard to make that happen.”

Supporters are encouraged to continue watching for updates on WSCCC’s Facebook page and its website. 

For more information contact any of WSCCC’s members: Genie Bishop, Mark and Renae Bottom, Steve and Chris Loeffler, and on the fundraising committee, Doris Olsen, Steve Loeffler, Michelle Ross and Dennis Demmel.