NORTH NEWTON, Kan. – Bluestem Communities will host one of its most popular events, the Bluestem Gala, on Thursday, Nov. 5, at 6:30 p.m. at the Meridian Center in Newton.
The Bluestem Gala is an annual event of which the proceeds benefit the benevolent funds and help provide for the needs of residents and participants at each of the five Bluestem Communities organizations – The Cedars in McPherson, Kidron Bethel Village in North Newton, Schowalter Villa in Hesston and Bluestem PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) with locations in McPherson and Hutchinson. The benevolent funds assist residents and participants who, due to unforeseen circumstances, are unable to cover the full cost of their care.
The Bluestem Gala will feature a three-course meal, a vacation raffle for two and live music by Newton native Angela Parrish. Registration is $175 per individual or $1,575 for a table of 10. Register at //bluestemks.org/events by October 16.
“We want this event to be an opportunity for individuals, couples, friends and family to enjoy an evening of outstanding food, entertainment and company while supporting the mission of Bluestem Communities,” said Derek Yoder, Bluestem Communities Vice President of Fund Advancement. “We’re particularly excited this year to bring Angela Parrish back to her hometown of Newton to share her music.”
Parrish is a songwriter, composer, record producer, artist and multi-instrumentalist who has built a successful career creating music for film, television and live performance. Now residing in Los Angeles, her vocals can be heard on the opening song for the 2017 Academy Award-winning film “La La Land.” She has performed with top-billed musicians, including The Weeknd and Ben Folds, composed original music for films and more.
Parrish is a 2004 graduate of Newton High School, and earned a bachelor’s degree in jazz piano and music education from Wichita State University.
An exciting part of every Bluestem Gala is a raffle for a chance to win a vacation for two to one of two destinations. The 2026 destination options are Destin, Florida, or a Colorado getaway, both which include airfare costs, lodging, a rental car and local attractions. Each trip is valued up to $4,000. Raffle tickets are $50 each or $100 for three tickets. Individuals must be present at the Bluestem Gala to win.
Meal reservations and raffle ticket purchases can be made at //bluestemks.org/events by October 16.
