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Warrensburg, MO —The Western Missouri Medical Center (WMMC) Foundation hosted its eighth annual Fire & Ice fundraising gala, Midnight in Paris, on Friday, January 23, 2026, at the Sandra Temple Elliott Ballroom on the University of Central Missouri campus. The sold-out evening brought together community members, healthcare leaders, and supporters for a night of glamour, games, and generosity in support of the hospital’s current initiative, Empower Through Early Detection.
With 344 guests in attendance, the event featured casino-style gaming, silent and live auctions, raffles, and prize drawings. Thanks to the generosity of 41 sponsors, Fire & Ice raised a record-breaking $112,051.13, surpassing all previous fundraising totals. The Foundation had set a goal of $80,000 for the evening, and the community’s response exceeded expectations. Special thanks go to top “All-In” sponsors—MidAmerica Cancer Care, Gyer Power Systems, and HCA Midwest—whose support made the night possible.
Foundation Pillar Society members Doug and Donna Warden receiving a custom fashion sketch during the event.
The WMMC Foundation hosted the gala to support the hospital’s campaign to expand access to life-saving breast imaging technology. By partnering with the hospital, the Foundation helps fund these critical initiatives through events, outreach, and community engagement—ensuring this vital technology reaches those who need it most.
“Fire & Ice remains one of the most powerful ways we unite our community to support healthcare close to home,” said Tara Carlyle, Executive Director of the WMMC Foundation. “The incredible generosity at this sold-out event transforms philanthropy into real, life-saving action—funding technology that will directly improve patient care for years to come.”
Guests enjoyed a Parisian-inspired evening of games, raffles, and a live auction led by Chad Davis of Davis & Bell Auction. The night also honored Pillar Society donors, whose long-term commitments continue to strengthen the Foundation’s support for hospital initiatives.
Attendees enjoying the excitement of casino-style gaming throughout the event.
A key moment of the evening focused on the Empower Through Early Detection campaign. The program began with a video featuring Suzanne Brown, a breast cancer survivor, sharing her story and highlighting the importance of timely, local access to advanced diagnostic technology. When Suzanne later took the stage to personally thank attendees, she received a standing ovation—a truly powerful and inspiring moment.
Suzanne Brown, breast cancer survivor, takes the stage to personally thank attendees—earning a standing ovation
“The WMMC Foundation is an incredible partner in helping the hospital bring this life-saving technology to our community,” said Darinda Dick, President and CEO of WMMC. “Thanks to their support and the generosity of our donors, the hospital is expanding access to early and accurate breast cancer detection close to home. We’re excited to share a project update soon and can’t wait to show the real impact this technology will have on patient care.”
The WMMC Foundation extends its sincere appreciation to sponsors, volunteers, committees, and community partners whose support made Fire & Ice: Midnight in Paris a record-breaking success.
Foundation Pillar Society members recognized during the event for completing their pledges.
About the WMMC Foundation
The Western Missouri Medical Center (WMMC) Foundation is dedicated to supporting the mission of WMMC by raising funds for critical initiatives and technology that enhance patient care in Johnson County and surrounding communities. Through events, outreach, and donor engagement, the Foundation partners with the hospital to bring life-saving programs and advanced healthcare services to the local community. Learn more at wmmc.com/Foundation.
About Western Missouri Medical Center
Western Missouri Medical Center (WMMC) is a fully accredited, county-owned healthcare system based in Warrensburg, Missouri, proudly serving Johnson County and surrounding communities. As an independent, not-for-profit medical center, WMMC is committed to providing high-quality, compassionate care.
WMMC provides a broad range of inpatient and outpatient services, including emergency and time-critical care, obstetrics, surgical services, primary and specialty care, oncology care, and diagnostic imaging. With a strong focus on patient experience, clinical excellence, and community health, WMMC continues to invest in advanced technology, dedicated providers, and innovative services to meet the evolving needs of the region. Learn more at wmmc.com and follow Western Missouri Medical Center on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.