This year’s Celebration! Evening and Auction was held on Friday, March 1 at Union Horse Distilling Co in Lenexa. Over 125 members and friends gathered for great food, fun cocktails, a ton of silent auction experiences, gift cards and goodies and exciting live auction items! Guests participated in a Cork Pull and new this year, a game of Heads or Tails that literally came down to the last flip between Kelly Martucci and Nancy Lear. Jack Stack provided heavy hors d’oeuvres at several stations which encouraged mingling and moving around to look at the themed silent auction tables. Ericka and Jim Howill created the handmade pottery centerpieces that were available for purchase and added just the right touch of class and color on each table. The event raised over $38,000, all of which supports the general purposes of the church including education of children and adults, community outreach such as hands-on service projects in various local agencies addressing houselessness and hunger, music performances such as choir and bell choir, building utilities, and overhead to support church and community services including Alcoholics Anonymous, Scouting programs, and grief support.

A HUGE thank you to the committee members: Scott Branton, Marilyn Dreas, Becky Hopkins, Ericka & Jim Howill, Greg Lear, Nancy Lear, Bill Martucci, Tere & Matt Naylor, and Leann Ritter. In addition, this event would not be possible without the generosity of our Benefactors: Deanne Stedem & David Forsee; Peter & Lesley Holt; Pat Martin; Chris and Sara Chrsitensen; Carla Aday & Dave Ehman; Melanie & Wayne Thompson; Marcia & Andy Berry; Kathy & Ed Buckley; John & Lynn Cockle; Stan & Jacqueline Cyphers; Lisa Hickok; Jim & Ericka Howill; Greg and Nancy Lear; Betsy and Jim Leonard; Mary McClure; Kelly & Bill Martucci; Matt and Tere Naylor; Emilee & Abe VanDyke. Also thank you to all of the donors that helped make the event a success!