A Night of Generosity:
CORE’s Record-Breaking Fundraiser!
On May 16th, our community gathered at CORE for an unforgettable evening filled with food, fun, and philanthropy. This year’s annual dinner and auctions surpassed all expectations, breaking records and garnering unprecedented support for CORE’s mission. The evening featured a delectable dinner, a 50/50 raffle, and both live and silent auctions that kept the auditorium buzzing with excitement. It was the most successful charity event in our organization’s history, providing important support for our cause.
Publicity and Preparations
Having hosted this event for years, we prepared for a certain number of guests based on past attendance. With history in hand, our people set up CORE’s auditorium to accommodate several hundred people. However, this year’s turnout exceeded our wildest dreams. As dinner progressed, more and more supporters arrived. For the first time, our usually overprepared kitchen sold out of dinners, and additional tables were brought in to accommodate everyone. We had never seen such a large turnout!
We attribute this record-breaking attendance to our presenter, Ozarks Dynacom, whose popular family of radio stations masterfully promoted the event. Our publisher, Image Works, Inc., also played a significant role by creating beautiful ads distributed on our website, electronically, and in print.
A Feast to Remember
CORE’s culinary team set the tone for the evening with a sumptuous dinner. Guests enjoyed a mouth-watering spread featuring roast pork and chicken, accompanied by classic sides like potato salad, coleslaw, and pit beans. The culinary delights continued with a variety of scrumptious desserts, ensuring no one left unsatisfied.
The dinner was not only a feast for the palate but also a time for attendees to connect, have fun, and share their commitment to CORE’s mission.
Silent Auction Treasures
While dinner was underway, a silent auction featuring about 30 exceptional items drew significant interest and competitive bidding. The diverse selection included cozy home goods, gift certificates to local eateries, tickets to live shows and theaters, handcrafted items from local artisans, and luxurious “staycation” packages at nearby resorts. There were also certificates for local services, ensuring something for everyone. The silent auction really highlighted the generosity of our local businesses and artisans.
The Thrill of the 50/50 Raffle
The excitement ramped up with the drawing for our 50/50 raffle, which generated thousands of dollars in ticket sales at $5 per ticket. The room was electric as the winner was announced, adding a thrilling element to the night while supporting a great cause.
Live Auction Extravaganza
The highlight of the evening was the live auction, which began on a sweet note with the auctioning of pies and cakes. These homemade delights sparked intense bidding wars, setting the mood for the rest of the evening. Cakes and pies fetched hundreds of dollars apiece as generous bidders competed to support our charity. The excitement continued as the auction transitioned to larger, highly coveted items.
As an example, one standout item was a limited edition football donated by the Kansas City Chiefs, drawing a winning bid of over a thousand dollars. Additionally, a blade made by “Forged in Fire” champion Davy Wilson and a hand-built AR-15 also brought in several thousands more. Entertainment and staycation packages, a kayak, and a unique fishbowl filled with money were among the other highlights. Remarkably, the winner of the fishbowl donated the money back to CORE, embodying the evening’s spirit of generosity. In all, over 50 items went up for bid at the auction.
A Record-Breaking Success
During the evening, our CEO Cary McKee took the stage to thank all attendees, sponsors, and those who donated auction items. He was overwhelmed (for good reason!) by the sincere generosity of everyone who contributed. By night’s end, the combined proceeds from the dinner, raffle, and auctions marked this event as CORE’s most successful fundraiser to date. The overwhelming turnout and enthusiastic participation surpassed all expectations, reflecting the community’s deep commitment to CORE’s mission.
A Heartfelt Thank You!
From all of us at CORE, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended, donated, and supported our event. The outpouring of generosity is a testament to the bonds within our community and our shared dedication to helping individuals escape a life of substance abuse. CORE’s mission is to provide the most effective recovery program available, and the funds raised at this event will greatly further our efforts in 2024!