Benefit Dinner for the SLV Health Cancer Center
On Saturday, April 30, 2016, music and laughter filled the air as over 400 people showed up to support the fundraising effort at the San Luis Valley Health Foundation toward making the new cancer center a reality. People were welcomed to a delicious dinner served by Ronnie and Glenda Martinez while listening to music by members of The Great Range Band. Director of the SLVH Foundation, Kelly Gurule, commented, “This is exactly how I envisioned this dinner.
Over 400 people attended the April 30 San Luis Valley Health Foundation fund-raiser for the new cancer center.
We wanted a family friendly environment and the opportunity to create a community fundraiser. Cancer has touched everyone in some way or another and now we can say that the whole community helped build our new center.” Ronnie and Glenda Martinez, owners of the Mt. View Restaurant in Monte Vista, approached the foundation and wanted to share the dream of a new cancer center.
Community donated items filled the silent auction tables
Ronnie told us that his first wife passed away from cancer and his mother was using our services at SLVH. He offered to donate the entire meal from the main course down to the table cloths. He is so committed to make the center a reality. He donated all the leftover food to La Puente Home. Andy Rice, Community Activities Manager for The Alamosa Parks and Recreation Center helped secure the location for the event. The Magnolia Society graciously volunteered to set up and host the auction. Larson Auctioneer Services ran the auction and community members donated items such as a large picnic table from Rustic Log and a year’s pass to the Sand Dunes Swimming Pool. Local businesses advertised and sold tickets. The Kiwanians and Rotarians helped serve and register guests.
The Great Range Band provided entertainment for the fund-raiser.
The Boys and Girls Club joined the cause by designing and making the decorations as well as helping buss the tables and assist where ever needed. The SLVH Foundation Ambassadors hosted a bake sale table. Kelly stated, “We estimated that we sold over 480 tickets and have raised over $ 8,000 so far without the auction proceeds. If you missed the event but would still like to donate please contact me at 719-587-5707.”