Congratulations

Dear Editor,

Congratulations to the 2004 American Heart Association Celebrity Celebration Committee and the entire community of McCook!

The Celebrity Celebration is "The" premier event in Red Willow County, and serves as the primary way for the AHA to reach out for direct financial support from corporate, medical, industry, and community leaders. This year's fun-filled event, held on April 3rd at the KC Hall, raised over $10,000 that will directly impact life-saving research and education in Nebraska.

The 2004 Committee: Teresa Thomas, Peggy Rogers, Gene Morris, Heather Collicott, Don Grassia, Don Harpst, and Chad Hutchins, along with Hosts Dave Stout and Rich Barnett from KICX Radio, and Auctioneer Doug Schlegel made it all possible.

A heart healthy meal of Windsor Pork with fresh vegetables and Chicken Parmesan, was catered by Matt Sehnert and crew. Our waiters, representing event sponsors, were: Emily Lashley and Tacie Fawver for AM First Bank and Lots to Love, Brenda and Geof Gillen of Wells Fargo, Michelle Walkenshaw-Herrera for the McCook Daily Gazette, Jim Hull for McCook National Bank, John and Annette Wacker for The United Methodist Church, Loretta Hauxwell for Mid Plains Community College, and Dean Sprinkle and Opal Rankin for McCook Community Hospital and McCook Clinic.

All of the waiters dressed in costumes and tried to out-do each other to earn the most in tips.

Guests were served by "Klinger and Hotlips" from the 4077th, a rootin' tootin' saloon beauty and her bartender, the "big hair girl" from the '80's, a basketball junkie, a smooth crooner and his lovely wife, two NASCAR nuts, and a beauty from "south of the border."

Jim Hull from McCook National Bank was the Outstanding Waiter with over $1,100 raised in tips. Granted a third of those came from his willingness to part with his hair!

Thanks to all of you, The American Heart Association is that much closer to our goal of reducing coronary heart disease, stroke and risk factors by 25 percent by the year 2010.

The American Heart Association maintains fiscal responsibility so funds are appropriately allocated to research and community outreach programs right here in Nebraska.

In fact, this past year, medical research institutions within the Heartland Affiliate of the American Heart Association received over $7.9 million dollars for research.

What a wonderful evening and we look forward to an even better time next spring!

Lora Mead

Grand Island

Regional Director

Heartland Affiliate