The cafeteria at St. Catherine Hospital was transformed on October 21st into a beautiful wonderland of lights and greenery by Christopher Cruz, decorator for the annual Gala. The theme for this year's Gala, hosted by the St. Catherine Hospital Development Foundation, was in honor of the hospital's 75th Anniversary.   Almost 200 people attended the gala and enjoyed excellent food from Southwind Country Club and danced the night away to the "Joyride Show & Dance Band" from Wichita.   Jan Kennedy, pianist, provided beautiful piano music during the cocktail hour. 

The Gala was the last in a series of events held throughout the year to celebrate St. Catherine Hospital's 75th Anniversary.  Adding a special touch to this year's Gala, Regan Jewelers of Downtown Garden City donated a .75 ct. loose diamond that was given away.  The winner of the diamond was Denise Brakey of Garden City. 

With a total of 36 corporate sponsors, Scott Taylor, President & CEO, said the gala set a fund-raising record and estimated the Gala raised approximately $20,000 after expenses.  The Gala was hosted by the St. Catherine Hospital Development Foundation and organized by the Gala committee which included: Beverly Catanese, Delores Gillen, Gloria Hopkins, Nan Hunsberger, Anita McGraw, Michelle Shull, Lynn Schoonover, Jean Strandmark, Lisa Taylor, Pat Whitham, Janie Wimmer and Mary Ellen Yox.

This was the first time for John Cruz and his wife Dolores to attend the event.  Cruz said it was a benefit for residents in the community and southwest Kansas   "We support it because we know all the proceeds go to the hospital," he said.  "An event like this brings people together.  We are very fortunate to have this type of hospital."    The event was celebrated by hospital administration, physicians, nurses, local business people , corporate sponsors and others.  Among the crowd was Dale Gabel and his wife, Carole Corley-Gabel.  He said attending the gala not only meant helping raise money for the hospital but showing support just by attending.  " This hospital is very important to our city, to have state-of-the-art care for residents," he said.  "We came out to show our support for what the hospital and its staff are doing."

(Rachel Davis, Reporter for the Garden City Telegram contributed to this article)