A Christmas Mixer billed as a "networking night" with refreshments, a silent auction, festive music, and charitable giving took place Friday evening, Dec. 6 at the Glacial Hills Venues in Wathena. The Doniphan County Chamber of Commerce sponsored this holiday event.
A variety of folks attended the gathering, including business people, community leaders, and other supporters of Doniphan County. They socialized with one another through the evening and discussed a wide variety of topics.
Marty Allen, the president of the Doniphan County Chamber of Commerce, and Leah Johnson, Doniphan County Economic Development Director, welcomed those who attended and provided information about various happenings in Doniphan County.
Johnson spoke about the upcoming Big Kansas Road Trip, to be held May 7-10, 2020. She explained that Doniphan County will be one of the three Northeast Kansas counties featured for this event and that lots of visitors to our area are expected. Johnson invited area business owners and residents to think of ways to showcase what is special about Doniphan County during that event.
Teresa McAnerney was the next person to address the crowd. She noted that Dec. 6 was also the date of Give Where You Live Day in Doniphan County.
"There are 20 non-profits listed in the Doniphan County Community Foundation, and they are all doing great work," she said, noting tat all donations stay local.
McAnerney also explained that funds donated on Dec. 6 would be matched 50 cents on the dollar. She later reported that the total donations on Give Where You Live Day in Doniphan County were $33,840.00. This total does not include the match money and the prize money awarded to four funds. A full report will be presented later.
"The Doniphan County Community Foundation wants to thank the generous donors and sponsors," said McAnerney. 'This was such a success for the county and will go a long way helping local groups improve the quality of life in our communities."
Those attending the Christmas Mixer had an opportunity to bid on a variety of items featured in a silent auction, with proceeds going to the Doniphan County Community Foundation. Lisa Scholz, a musician from this area, provided musical entertainment throughout the evening.
Johnson was pleased with how the evening went.
"I really enjoy seeing leaders from all across the county from different cities, organizations, and businesses come together to celebrate all the wonderful things that have been accomplished here in Doniphan County this past year," she said. "The Christmas Mixer is a great event to thank all those who support positive growth in Doniphan County through their time, talent, and resources."
By Mary Winder
Chief reporter
This article first appeared in the Kansas Chief Newspaper.