Press Release

Festive Poinsettia Ball Offers Special Evening

Rich burgundy and gold décor, chocolate fountains, music, a gourmet buffet and auctions will highlight the 23rd annual Poinsettia Ball to be held Saturday, Dec. 1 at 6:30 p.m. at the Onawa Community Center.

Sponsored by Burgess Health Center Foundation, the holiday event is open to all persons to celebrate the holidays.

Ball proceeds will support Burgess Health Center’s purchase of new digital mammography  cutting edge technology with higher accuracy to better detect breast cancer. There also will be a special intention drive during the ball to raise funds for special physical therapy equipment to benefit patient care

Dinner music this year will be provided by the Loess Hills Gospel Quartet which includes Richard Mack of Oto, Myron Armour of Smithland, Kevin Hummel of Sloan and Lael Steinhoff and accompanist Wauneta Steinhoff of Hornick.

Jimy Mac, a DJ that plays big band to rock tunes, will provide music after the auctions.

A committee is working to create another one-of-a kind, festive evening in Onawa, according to Kara Minnihan, who co-chairs the ball with Kim Gray.

“We add new features each year to the ball,” Minnihan says. “This year guests will enjoy special music and new menu items. We’re planning seafood stuffed mushrooms, mini chicken cordon bleu, bruschetta and baked salmon, as well as our other popular buffet items, salads and gourmet desserts.

“We also brought back the popular champagne and chocolate fountains.”

The evening will again feature a variety of gifts and theme baskets in a silent auction along with a live auction of items that include the condo in Breckenridge, Colo., sports packages and more.

The $45 per person ticket covers buffet, the dessert bar and complimentary drinks. Tickets can be purchased at Vantus in Onawa, First State Bank of Mapleton, Burgess Family Clinics in Dunlap and Sloan, and the Whiting Family Pharmacy in Whiting.

Tickets also can be reserved by calling Shirley Bruegger at 423-9374 or Kara Minnihan at 712-423-2006 or Kim Gray 712-420-1054.