Playing Their Best Cards

Compassionate Hands raises $3K at benefit

By
Yukon Progress
-
284
Playing their best cards at the Compassionate Hands’ Benefit Card Party are: From left, Trudy Wiekel, Gary Nieman, Barry Wiekel, and June Marsh. (Photo by Jack Hinton)

By Conrad Dudderar

Senior Staff Writer

About 100 people spent part of their Friday “playing their best cards” – and other table games – to support charitable efforts of a non-profit Yukon ministry.

Nearly $3,000 was raised Feb. 21 during Compassionate Hands’ semi-annual Benefit Card Party at Town & Country Christian Church, 2200 S Cornwell.

Taking a break from their game to pose for a photo are: From left, Dr. Valerie Hatley, Ed Hatley, Ridge Smith, and Carol Smith. (Photo by Jack Hinton)

“Everyone who came enjoyed a day of fellowship and lunch together,” Compassionate Hands’ Director Joanne Riley said. “Several people came up to me afterward and say that we should have the card party more than twice a year!”

Games ranged from Bridge and Farkle to Dominoes and Mahjongg – with many more in between.

“It was a good time had by all – and all for a great cause,” Riley said.

Funds support Compassionate Hands, a non-profit agency that has served Yukon since 1994.

A Canadian County United Way partner agency, Compassionate Hands helps individuals and families with critical needs, along with emergency rent and utility assistance. The ministry operates a van service for senior and residents with disabilities.

Playing a game of Mahjongg are: From left, Cecilia Tolley, June Calahan and Melissa Satterfield. (Photo by Jack Hinton)

Besides all the games, last Friday’s benefit featured a boxed lunch featuring tasty sandwiches provided by Spanish Cove Catering.

“The players raved about the lunch,” Riley said. “It was a big hit.”

“We also had 25 different door prizes – everything from a crocheted baby ensemble to gift certificates donated by local businesses.”

A 50/50 raffle brought in $620, with Martha Irvin winning to claim a $310 cash prize.

The Feb. 21st card party could not have been possible without lunch and table sponsors, Riley emphasized.

Yukon Compassionate Hands volunteers, from left, Jaquita Icenhower, Marsha Felton, Alicia Barry, and Cathy Patton. (Photo by Jack Hinton)

Lunch sponsors were: United Pharmacy, Yanda & Son Funeral Home, the UPS Store, City of Yukon, and Oklahoma City Community Foundation.

Table sponsors were: State Farm-Cherie Logan, NEORA-Lynn Cook, Law Office of Pamela Kennedy, Chik-fil-A, and Archery Traditions.

Riley offered thanks to Compassionate Hands’ volunteers for their help to plan and present Friday’s card party benefit. She specifically mentioned board member Jaquita Icenhower and Marsha Felton “who put in many hours.”

Learn more about Compassionate Hands by visiting compassionatehandsyukon.org or calling the office at 354-9591.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR