CHANUTE — A crowd of 172 attended the 2026 Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation annual spring fundraiser on Friday, May 1. Doors at the SEK Impact Center opened at 5:30 pm. Décor was provided by Lisa Wolverton of Hitch and Hoedown Rentals. Approximately $15,000 was raised during the evening from stretch, silent, and live auctions. Robbie Bell once again provided entertainment throughout the evening.
Attendees were treated to a delicious meal furnished by Mark Hall. Dessert was provided by Brenda Harrison of Sassy Chefs. Neosho County Community College students helped serve the meal. Door prizes were courtesy of the TVDS greenhouse in Fort Scott and Jennifer Deitsch-State Farm.
AS IN YEARS past, the live auction was the highlight of the evening. Dave Petersen served as auctioneer. For 2026, the featured trips were courtesy of Monarch Cement and included a trip for two to Nashville and a trip for two to San Antonio. Other items auctioned include: a Breckenridge, Colo. vacation package courtesy of Home Savings Bank; a Branson, Mo. vacation package courtesy of Community National Bank; a full-size recliner courtesy of Ruddick’s Furniture in Fort Scott; and dinner for 10 courtesy of Brenda Harrison.
All money raised from the evening will go towards the Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation projects. Since 2001, the foundation has built six homes and acquired nine additional homes and a duplex. Houses are located in Buffalo, Chanute, Fort Scott, Humboldt, Iola, Moline, and Neodesha. These houses are home to 92 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities served by Tri-Valley Developmental Services.
“The evening was fantastic”, said Bill Fiscus, CEO. “The food, drawings and conversation were phenomenal. Thank you to everyone who attended. We hope you had an enjoyable evening and look forward to seeing you all in 2027.”
TRI-VALLEY thanks the sponsors who made the event possible.
Promenade Level: Monarch Cement Company
Colonnade Level: Acrisure; Cardinal Drug Store & Gifts; Community National Bank – Chanute; Hofer & Hofer & Associates; Larry Holman; IMA; Dave Peterson Auction Services; and Smith Law Office, LLC
Esplanade Level: Ash Grove; Hitch & Hoedown; and Jarred, Gilmore & Phillips, CPA
Arcade Level: Bank of Commerce; CASA of the 31st Judicial District; Cheney Witt Chapel; LeRoy Coop; Mertz Tax Service; SEK COOP; and Shields Motor Company.
