Hospital fundraiser a success

St. Patrick's Day parties typically are celebrated on March 17, but on April 24, the St. Regis Community Center was all decorated in green. Flashing four leaf clovers and green table cloths were only part of the lavish decorations as the Mineral County Medical Foundation put on their "Luck of the Irish" event.

Roger Brown, of the foundation, said that they had originally intended to host the event closer to St. Patrick's Day, but scheduling conflicts with the entertainment and when the building was available pushed the date back into April.

Still, residents in attendance came dressed in green and were getting back into the Irish spirit. The foundation served baked potatoes with a variety of toppings, but the real rush came as Ethel Pender and Jody Minson struggled to serve up enough desserts as people lined up to get a slice of green pie or chocolate mint dessert.

Brown thanked those in attendance for their participation in supporting the Mineral County Hospital, as funds raised will go toward purchases and projects to improve the hospital. Brown, who also dressed as the resident leprechaun, joked that while this was his "first time in a community" he was impressed with the community's support.

"I've never lived in a community when people do so much as you," Brown said. "Your support is just unbelievable. I want to thank you for your time and support."

Singing Sons of Beaches started early and provided light-hearted comedy and some tunes for the audience at 7 p.m. Besides the entertainment, there were also several silent auction items to bid on ranging from pieces of jewelry, artwork and gift baskets among others. But perhaps the most coveted event of the evening was when the leprechaun drew the name of the winner of the $500 from the pot of gold.

The lucky individual to receive the leprechaun's gold was Nona Crichton of Superior who actually bought her ticket at the door. Elly Hollenback, foundation treasurer said that while there is still some money to be corrected and some bills to pay estimated that the event rose around $4,000-$4,500. Hollenback said that the event was sold out.

"Of course, it's always the more the better, but we thought if we could do $3,000 we would have been pleased," Hollenback said. "But it went really well. It was really well received. It was a fun time."

Hollenback said that many individuals left saying that they thought it would make a good annual event.

"We just want to say thanks again to everyone who supported it. We really appreciate the people who support the hospital," Hollenback said.