Celebrating 21 Years of Caring for the Free Clinic of Medina County

More than 230 supporters celebrated the 21st anniversary of the Free Clinic of Medina County on Saturday afternoon with a dinner auction gala at Buffalo Creek Retreat. The annual event brought back some favorite traditions, including an elegant buffet catered by the newly reorganized Sérénité Restaurant and Culinary Institute. Favorite entrees included beef burgundy, mashed potatoes and green beans. New additions this year included chicken Parmesan and a vegetarian entrée. After dinner, Sérénité board President Anthony Bianco shared reopening plans for the restaurant and recovery program. A popular Live Auction item was dinner for two at The Oaks Lakeside Restaurant with a one-night stay at The Coop cottage. Sports memorabilia included OSU and Guardians tickets, a Major League Baseball bat designed and signed by hall of famer George Brett, and Kansas City shortstop Bobby Witt Jr.'s autographed batting helmet. Limestone driveway gravel, patio heater and a park bench rounded out the outdoor offerings. Cluckin' Cindie, the mechanical chicken, returned to her nest with 137 golden eggs, each containing a gift certificate donated by local businesses and individuals. Supporters lined up to purchase Cindie's entire collection of prize eggs. Medina Mayor Dennis Hanwell came back a second year in his role as a celebrity waiter to serve champagne to the winning table. Medina County Sheriff Terry Grice and Medina City Councilman Jim Shields displayed and described the live auction items while Mark Walton served as auctioneer. "It was my honor to attend and take part in the Free Clinic's Celebrating 21 Years of Caring," Hanwell said. "I am very thankful and appreciative of the work of the Free Clinic to provide needed medical care to our local neighbors, friends and family. We are blessed to have this organization in our community. Their work truly shows there is something special about Medina!"