HUTCHINSON, Kan. — TECH will celebrate a decade of its annual gala Saturday, Nov. 21, bringing together community members for an evening of entertainment, auctions and fundraising to support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The 10th Annual TECH Gala, themed "Purple Rain: Where Hope Pours Into Possibility," will take place at the 1861 Club on the Kansas State Fairgrounds. The black-tie event is expected to draw approximately 300 guests, with tickets nearly sold out.
Sarah Diamond, TECH's development director, said the milestone celebration will feature a new venue and several additions to the annual fundraiser.
"This is the 10th anniversary of the gala, but we have a long-standing history of our annual event for TECH," Diamond said.
The event evolved from the organization's previous Holiday Festival and Festival of Trees fundraisers. This year's celebration moves from Memorial Hall in downtown Hutchinson to the 1861 Club.
Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., with dinner, activities and entertainment beginning around 6 p.m. Harrison Steele will provide live music, while guests can enjoy cocktails, socialize and browse auction items.
A brief program and live auction will begin around 7:30 p.m., with the auction expected to conclude around 9 p.m. Dancing and pizza will follow until approximately 11 p.m.
The fundraiser will feature both live and silent auctions, with items including a registered border collie puppy, a trip to Belize, jewelry, a Louis Vuitton purse and other donated experiences.
One of the evening's featured auction items will be a painting created by Joey, an individual served by TECH. Diamond said his artwork reflects the Purple Rain theme and is currently on display at TECH's main office at 10 S. Main St. in Hutchinson.
The gala will also feature a live portrait artist, a new addition allowing attendees to have personalized portraits created during the evening. Other fundraising activities include a jewelry tree, wine and whiskey pulls and additional opportunities to support the organization.
Diamond said proceeds from the event help fund TECH's daily operations and services, which provide opportunities for individuals to find meaningful employment, develop friendships, explore their talents and live more independently.
"This money goes right back into our program, the daily operations," Diamond said.
TECH has served Hutchinson and surrounding communities for more than 50 years, supporting several hundred adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The organization offers residential care, independent living support, employment services and educational opportunities through its workforce development center on Avenue B and adult learning center in downtown Hutchinson.
Diamond said demand for those services remains significant, with some individuals facing waiting lists lasting several years.
The evening's program will also feature a family sharing its personal experience with TECH and how the organization's services have impacted their lives.
Diamond, who joined TECH in June, said organizing the event has provided an opportunity to see community support translate into meaningful resources for those the organization serves.
"Being a part of something that makes such a difference, and bringing resources and connecting people together for the greater good," Diamond said, describing the most rewarding part of her work.
Although tickets were nearly sold out at the time of Diamond's interview, community members can still contribute through donations, auction items and volunteer opportunities.
Tickets must be purchased in advance and will not be available at the door.