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Press Release by Kayla Price
Sulphur Springs, Texas: The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation’s Annual Gala is one of the most significant, most successful events held in Hopkins County. With an annual net income in the mid-$200,000 range, it has helped the Foundation become one of the most significant non-profit contributors to the public good in the area.
With a small army of volunteers, be they Foundation Board members or volunteers, this successful fundraising event has proven its ability to respond to challenges, as evidenced by the 15th annual Gala held during COVID-19. It cleverly turned into a remote Gala with the theme Gala Unmasked. Supporters watched from home as they bid on unique items, including a Jeep Wrangler donated by Scott Nottingham at Sulphur Springs Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram.
Even in good years, the Gala is a massive undertaking. Making arrangements for a fun-filled event for approximately 500 people can be daunting, but adding in the fundraising aspect adds more challenges.
Carolyn McKinney has headed the Silent Auction committee for the past two years, and they started planning and meetings soon after the last Gala finished. Volunteers are dedicated individuals.
“We have amazing committee members who believe in what we are doing. They each are community leaders who have contacts with local businesses and network with them to bring a great variety of items and experiences for donors to bid on,” says Carolyn. She adds, “Of course, we are so appreciative to these volunteers for sharing their time and wisdom to make the silent auction successful each year.”
Volunteers also serve as Gala committee members and chairs. The upcoming Gala is under the chairmanship of Kim and John Sellers. Past events have been chaired by husband and wife teams, friends, sisters, and multi-generations of a family, with each year’s chairs bringing their spin to the event.
Foundation Chair Maleta Reynolds reflects on the Gala’s impact on Hopkins County healthcare. “What started 18 years ago as a possibility for making a local impact has become a community necessity. Through this event, the Foundation has funded 31 different types of equipment and facilities to benefit the health of our community. Without the help of dedicated volunteers, it would not have been possible.”
Individual tickets, tables, and sponsorships are still available at the Gala website, LOLGala2024.GiveSmart.com. They will add live and silent auction items, so check the site often.
The Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that raises money to improve the health of Hopkins County residents. For additional information, please get in touch with the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation at 903-438-4799 or kayla.price@christushealth.org.