OJC Press Release ID: 2480

Monday, March 7, 2016

Sponsorships and tickets available for 3rd annual “Celebrating Excellence in Health Gala”

The Otero Junior College Foundation will be hosting the “Celebrating Excellence in Health Gala,” its third annual health professional appreciation banquet on May 11 at 6 p.m. in the OJC Student Center Banquet Room.

This event is designed to honor those working in all health care practice areas. The event Proceeds benefit OJC students pursuing careers in healthcare fields through the Kay Mahoney Memorial/Kaiser Permanente Healthcare Scholarships.

“Tickets are available for anyone who would like to attend; from community members to direct caregivers,” said Sue Samaniego, OJC Foundation director. “We all have a stake in developing our future healthcare providers and celebrating the work of those currently in the many fields under the healthcare umbrella. Our event gives an opportunity to do both.”

Committee members continue to work out the details of the event, but the evening will feature a speaker and entertainment. Also included will be a full dinner, an auction, basket raffles and more. Previous auction items have included rounds of golf, a cabin rental, pool passes and gear, and cement planters. Similar items are expected for this year’s event.

There are three sponsorship levels for the event: Platinum ($750), which includes eight dinner tickets, 24 free basket chance tickets and a special gift; Gold ($500), which includes eight dinner tickets and 16 free basket chance tickets; and Silver ($250), which includes four dinner tickets and 8 free basket chance tickets. Sponsors will also have their names printed in the evening’s program and other printed materials.

“A new benefit this year for sponsors is the ability to highlight both an excellent employee and their organization during the event,” said Samaniego. “Because this is a celebration of excellence, sponsoring organizations will get to write a brief highlight of an employee and their organization, which will be shared by the evening’s emcees. We want to celebrate our partners and their impact on our communities.”

Tickets for the event are $25 and are available for pre-purchase only and must be purchased by May 4. No tickets will be sold at the door. To reserve a ticket, contact Sue Samaniego at 719-384-6821 or Becci Lease at 719-384-6898.

For more information on sponsorships, tickets or the OJC Foundation, contact Sue Samaniego at (719) 384-6821.

Attendees survey the auction items as last year’s Celebrating Excellence in Health Gala. The 2015 event brought out a great crowd and helped to provide seven scholarships of $2,125 to students studying health fields at OJC during the current academic year.