Wichita, Kan. – Newman University’s “Party on the Ponderosa” drew more than 600 people to the ranch of Mid-America Ag Network owner Larry Steckline and his wife Carla Stovall Steckline for an evening of western-style food, fun – and fundraising. The Sept. 26 event, which capped the university’s year-long 75th Anniversary celebration, raised more than $102,000 for student scholarships at Newman.
“The Party on the Ponderosa was the perfect ending to our 75th Anniversary celebration,” said Newman President Noreen M. Carrocci, Ph.D. “It was a wonderful time for the 400-plus participants and 200-plus volunteers who enjoyed fabulous food, gunfight re-enactments, music, auctions, fireworks and more.”
The event featured a western steak and pork chop dinner buffet, refreshments, and strolling entertainers in period costumes including “Buffalo Bill Cody,” the Dixie Lee Dance Troupe, fiddlers Chelley Graves and Sarah Baxter, and cowboy poet and western singer Dave Zerf. Two comical historic gunfight re-enactments by Bigger Than Life Productions and Newman staff members were also staged, as were several activities with a western flair including prairie golf, “cowpoke caricatures,” and a shooting and gaming gallery.
Other highlights of the evening included a performance by The Bucky Fowler Band, an impressive fireworks display over the prairie courtesy of Menges Rental, and a live and silent auction that raised close to $50,000 to support student scholarships. In addition, a drawing was held for a 2009 Chevy Aveo5 compliments of Joe Self Chevrolet. The car was won by Cindy Hand.
Carrocci expressed gratitude to everyone who played a role in the fundraiser’s success.
“We are very grateful to Larry and Carla Steckline for hosting this event, and to Mark and Shirley Dugan for acting as co-chairs for the Party on the Ponderosa Committee,” she said. “We also extend a special thank you to our many sponsors, the Party on the Ponderosa Committee, and all the Newman faculty, staff, students and alumni who volunteered. We couldn’t have done it without the generosity and teamwork of everyone involved.”
“We can’t thank our sponsors enough for their support, auction pieces, services, food and drink or other items that helped make this such a success,” added Tom Borrego, vice president for Institutional Advancement at Newman. “Their generosity contributed not only to a single night of fun for those who attended, but also to opportunities and benefits for Newman students today.”
The Party on the Ponderosa sponsors include:
Presenting sponsors:
1410 Sports Radio KGSO; US 107.9 KWLS; Auburn Spirits; Joe Self Chevrolet – Cadillac, Inc.; Simpson and Associates, and The Wichita Business Journal.
Ponderosa print sponsor:
Donlevy Lithographic, Inc.
Prize sponsor:
Catholic Family Federal Credit Union
Sponsors:
Adorers of the Blood of Christ; Bell Carpet and Floor of Abby Carpet and Floor; BELT Leasing; Noreen Carrocci and Bob Benson; Foulston Siefkin, LLP; Hampel Oil Distributors, Inc.; Legacy Bank; Madrigal & Welch Insurance; Midwest Single Source; The Docking Financial Group; Wescon Products; Westar Energy, and Village Tours and Travel.
Newman University 75th Anniversary sponsors include:
KSN Channel 3; Commerce Bank; Bell’s Abbey Carpet and Floor; Preferred Health Systems; Cessna; Catholic Family Federal Credit Union, and Mid-America Ag Network.
Mark Dugan, left, and his wife Shirley share a moment with cowboy poet and western singer Dave Zerf at Newman University’s “Party on the Ponderosa.” The Dugans were co-chairs of the Sept. 26 event, which drew more than 400 people to the ranch of Mid-America Ag Network owner Larry Steckline and Carla Stovall Steckline and raised more than $102,000 for student scholarships at Newman.
The General Store was a popular gathering spot at Newman University’s “Party on the Ponderosa.” The Sept. 26 event drew more than 400 people to the ranch of Mid-America Ag Network owner Larry Steckline and Carla Stovall Steckline and raised more than $102,000 for student scholarships at Newman.
