Emerald fundraiser celebrates 20 years of caring

GUILFORD TWP. — A capacity crowd of 235 supporters gathered at Buffalo Creek Retreat on Saturday afternoon for the Emerald Celebration of Care 20th anniversary of the Free Clinic of Medina County. The room was awash in green, from the verdant centerpieces surrounded by glittering emeralds to the green uplights and music donated by Rogue Goat Entertainment owner Chuck Sisia. Medical Director Dr. Kim Bowen opened the event, followed by a blessing from board member and volunteer physician Dr. Todd Zeiger. Guests were treated to a buffet catered by Sérénité Restaurant and Culinary Institute. Back by popular demand was their signature beef burgundy in addition to chicken cordon bleu, pesto pasta, green salad, rolls, chocolate and vanilla cake. Brewed beverages were donated by Medina Brewing Co. Following a short video created by SHE Did It Videography, the live auction began with honorary auction announcers Medina County Sheriff Terry Grice and his wife, Cindy. The first item in the live auction was a rare bottle of champagne, served to the winning table by Medina Mayor Dennis Hanwell. Auctioneer Mark Walton encouraged bidders on 12 live auction items, including a custom gourmet dinner for eight by Dr. Jonathan Funk and his sous chef sister Beth Funk. Items included an emerald necklace from Wiant Jewelers, an excursion with the Grizzly Pedal Co. of Wadsworth, tickets for Ohio State football, Guardians baseball, the Cleveland Monsters Hockey loge, Westfield Country Club golf, Osborne limestone gravel and a Vegas-style poker table. The celebration also featured 35 silent auction items, a lucky lottery basket raffle, a wine bottle ring toss, and a booze barrel filled with top-notch spirits. But the true star of the day was Cluckin' Cindie, the mechanical chicken who produced 120 golden eggs filled with gift cards from restaurants and businesses throughout Medina County. "It was my honor to attend and support the Emerald Celebration of Care 20th anniversary of the Free Clinic of Medina County," Hanwell said. "I am very thankful and appreciative of the healthcare services provided to our most vulnerable constituents. This is an outstanding collaborative approach to accomplish same." Nancy Peacock is the executive director of Free Clinic of Medina County and can be contacted at exec@fcomc.org.