Annual fundraiser shifts gears

As Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor emerges from a year unlike any other fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, the campus invites the community to join in celebrating the beginning of summer with a fundraiser featuring live music, cold treats and the annual golf ball drop at the community from 6 – 8 p.m. June 21 at the campus, 1711 N. Fourth in Arkansas City, Kan.

The Summer Solstice Ball Drop in Memory of Karl Faidley, who was a longtime supporter of the campus and member of Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor’s Dick Metz Memorial Golf Tournament planning committee for many years, raises funds for Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor residents who have outlived their financial resources through no fault of their own.

With the ongoing pandemic, the campus will not be hosting the golf tournament for the second year, however, the need for support for residents at the community continues. For the second year in a row, the campus will host the golf ball drop portion of the fundraiser. Last year, the community sold more than 440 golf balls and raised more than $13,000. The goal this year is to sell 500 golf balls.

“We are so grateful for the continued support of our sponsors, families, residents and the Arkansas City community,” said Sarah Griggs, executive director. “The COVID-19 pandemic may have forced us to rethink our event, but it has given us an opportunity to embrace a return to more normal activities at our campus as summer begins. We’re excited to invite the community to celebrate with us.”

This year’s celebration will be on the front lawn at Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor. Festivities will begin at 6 p.m. with a welcome, followed by the annual ball drop. The Student Loans will play beginning around 6:20 p.m. and cold treats will be served throughout the concert, which is set to wrap up around 8 p.m.  

Evergy, a long-time partner for the event, is slated to participate again, providing the bucket truck for the annual ball drop.

Tickets for the ball drop may be purchased online for $10 each, or purchased from one of the planning committee members or Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor employees. RSVP by June 15 to Sarah Griggs at 620-442-8700 or sgriggs@pmma.org.

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