NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System, in a partnership with Hutch Rec, the Cosmosphere, Boys & Girls Clubs of Hutchinson, Hutchinson YMCA, and Hutchinson USD 308, are hosting a Mother & Son Date Night event on Saturday, Nov. 2.
"The idea actually came through conversations with Benjamin Anderson with Hutch Regional," said Hutch Rec's Tony Finlay. "We decided that one of the gaps in the community was events specifically for mother and sons. And so as we started that, we realized that it would be great to bring in other community partners, YMCA, Boys and Girls Club. We've been in close contact with USD 308 as well."
This event takes place Nov. 2 starting at 6 p.m. at the Cosmosphere and includes a catered meal, rose for each mom, hand-written card for each son, and a program featuring former NASA spacesuit technician Sharon McDougle.
"It's a fundraiser for the Cosmosphere," said David Foster with the YMCA. We're going to be able to raise some money for them and help some of those kids that are coming to the event, maybe experience camp at the Cosmosphere this summer. I think it's kind of neat when other organizations can come together on behalf of the community at large to support mothers and sons, like Tony said, but also give some of these kids an opportunity to maybe get to do some things that they've never done before, which I think is really cool."
Tickets are $100 per mother-son couple and can be purchased online at hutchrec.com or in-person at Hutch Rec Downtown (17 E. 1st Ave.), from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
"It's going to be a pretty formal event, but we also want it to be fun and educational at the same time and having the former astronaut come and speak," Foster said. "We're also going to staff the event for the most part with hosts and waiters with some male role models from around the community. I know Hutch Community College Athletic Department is going to help out along with some other local community leaders. So if there are any males out there listening that would like to serve as a role model that night and work with this event, they can just let us know and we'll be glad to get them plugged in."
Call the YMCA and ask for Foster if you'd like to help. Their number is (620) 662-1203.