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Warrensburg, MO — The Western Missouri Medical Center (WMMC) Foundation hosted its highly anticipated seventh-annual fundraising gala, Fire & Ice: Mardi Gras, on Friday, Jan. 24, 2025. This year’s event continued its tradition of excellence, selling out weeks in advance and drawing an enthusiastic crowd of 335 guests to the UCM Ballroom for an unforgettable evening of celebration and philanthropy.
Thanks to the generosity of 22 sponsors, Fire & Ice: Mardi Gras secured $37,000 in sponsorship support. The event shattered previous fundraising records, raising nearly $75,000 that will directly benefit WMMC’s latest initiative, Empower Through Early Detection. This critical project aims to enhance access to life-saving diagnostic technology for the community.
Guests embraced the vibrant spirit of Mardi Gras, enjoying an evening filled with classic casino games, thrilling live and silent auctions, and exciting raffles. The festive atmosphere was complemented by exquisite cuisine, expertly crafted by Morrison’s Healthcare catering team, ensuring a night of indulgence and entertainment.
“It is so wonderful to see our community come together for such a great cause and embracing this elegant annual event,” said Carmen Mallery, Co-Chair of the Special Events Committee.
“Fire & Ice: Mardi Gras was a fun and festive event with thematic food, and decor fully embraced by our costume-clad partygoers! It was an inspiring auction environment in which to raise funds for WMMC Foundation,” said Jan Glover, WMMC Foundation Board President. “The generosity and creativity of our organization and supporters is unmatched!”
This year’s event featured several exciting changes, including a venue change to the UCM Ballroom to accommodate more guests, the addition of a silent auction, and special recognition of Pillar Society donors who completed their initial pledge. In addition, five more individuals or couples either joined the Pillar Society or increased their donation, further strengthening the Foundation’s mission and long-term impact on the community.
Tara Carlyle, Strategy & Development Executive at WMMC, echoed this sentiment, expressing deep appreciation for the dedication of the Special Events and Business Relations Committees. “This year, we introduced many new features, and we are incredibly thankful for how our community embraced these changes while continuing to show up and support us,” said Carlyle. “Each year, our goal is to create an event that is fresh, exciting, and impactful, and this year’s record-breaking success is a testament to the dedication of our sponsors, volunteers, and the staff at WMMC that work together to put this on.”
Brown’s Medical Imaging was featured as the Premiere Sponsor at the $10,000 level, leading the support for this event. Additional sponsors include American Water, Carlyle Van Lines, Cintas, Cliff Harris Automotive Group, Community National Bank & Trust, Central Bank of Warrensburg, Davis & Bell Auction, F & C Bank, Joe Good State Farm Insurance, LifeFlight Eagle, Lindsay Tegtmeier State Farm Insurance, Stanley Black & Decker of Sedalia, The Change Jar, Total Lending Concepts – Jared Jones, Truman Title Company, UCM Alumni Foundation, University of Central Missouri, Walker Medical Linen Service, Wendling, Noe, Nelson & Johnson LLC, and Zydeco. These contributions play a vital role in the success of this event.
Darinda Dick, President/CEO of WMMC, said, “Fire & Ice: Mardi Gras not only delivered an extraordinary evening of entertainment uniting our community but also reinforced the hospital’s mission to work as one to serve our community with excellence and compassion. We look forward to building on this momentum and continuing to make a lasting impact on the well-being of our community.”
About Western Missouri Medical Center
Western Missouri Medical Center (WMMC) is a fully accredited acute care county medical center located in Warrensburg, MO. WMMC prides itself in emergency care, obstetrics, orthopedic and general surgery, family healthcare, internal medicine, outpatient clinics, ambulatory care, rehabilitation services and more. Inpatient services include medical, surgical, intensive, obstetrical, orthopedic, pediatric and skilled nursing care, as well as a wide range of therapeutic and diagnostic outpatient services. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
About the Western Missouri Medical Center Foundation
The Western Missouri Medical Center Foundation is dedicated to fostering community awareness and promoting a culture of philanthropy to support WMMC’s mission of providing high-quality healthcare services that enhance the wellness of our community. Our commitment to putting patients first is not just a motto—it’s reflected in everything we do. By ensuring access to modern facilities and advanced technology right here in our region, we make it possible for our community members to receive top-notch care close to home.
Gifts to the WMMC Foundation touch every area of our medical center. They help attract talented physicians, fund facility expansions, and ensure that we can provide the latest equipment and technology. Whether directed toward a specific need or entrusted to the Foundation’s Board to apply where it’s most needed, every contribution plays a vital role in enhancing the well-being of our community. Through the generosity of donors, the Foundation continues its mission, directly impacting the lives of our families, friends, and neighbors.