< Back to All Articles
TECH Gala “Shines” and raises over $100,000
HUTCHINSON, KS – On Saturday, November 19th, TECH hosted the 33rd Annual TECH Gala at Main Street Event Center in Hutchinson, KS. Over 400 people attended the spectacular event, which featured a food competition between six local restaurants and chefs, a live and silent auction as well as a dance at the end of the evening. The event raised well over the $100,000 net goal for 2016!
Local artist, Julie Black, helped set the scene for the Gala by painting a beautiful mural on the outside of Main Street Event Center. With a lot of help from Alice Jane Hayes of Main Street Event Center, Kitty Keazer of Details Event Planning and Rentals and Rick and Rondi Caywood, with DB Extreme, the event came to life, boasting life-like treescapes, beautiful chandeliers and winter scenes. “We wanted the event to look and feel very different this year and I believe we accomplished that,” says Lacey Mills, Director of Marketing and Special Events for TECH. “Our goal from the very beginning was to give the community a fresh, new event while remaining true to the history of the Holiday Festival that everyone loves. We really had a “dream team” this year and the event wouldn’t have been the success it was without the help of these people.”
The highlight of the evening were four presentations by TECH clients, featuring their personal stories of achievement and success in the community. Brenda Maxey, President and CEO of TECH says, “Since 1973, TECH has helped children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities achieve their independence. The TECH Gala was truly a night for TECH to shine! TECH cares about the people we serve, their happiness and we work hard to help them succeed.”
An outstanding group of 15 women led the planning for this event. “We extend our deepest thanks and appreciation to the Gala Co-Chairs Michelle Capps and Cindy Miller, our extraordinary Gala committee, our volunteers and all of the event sponsors, especially First National Bank for partnering with us as the Diamond Sponsor for this event,” says Mills.
“TECH has been able to support our community for 43 years and I’m thrilled that this year’s event was able to raise the funds needed to help TECH continue their mission in Hutchinson and Reno County,” says Maxey.
Guests and supporters are encouraged to save the date for the 34th Annual Gala to be held on November 18, 2017. More photos from the event are to come.
About TECH: TECH has been serving children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the Hutchinson area since 1973. The mission is to assist individuals with disabilities of all ages live full and productive lives through advocacy, supports, and education. For more information, visit www.techinc.org.
