March 19, 2024

Annual Spring Skiff Gala returns next month

The 5th Annual Skiff Gala will kick off next month with beloved traditions, as well as a few surprises at the fundraising event.

Sponsored by the Skiff Auxiliary and Skiff Foundation, the spring Skiff Gala is slated for 5:30 p.m. April 8.

Attendees will be treated to a sit-down catered meal, a dessert auction, a live auction and professional entertainment at DMACC. Social time and silent auction begin at 5:30 p.m., with the dessert auction and dinner starting at 7 p.m.

Professional entertainment for the night will include Gina Gebler, Soya Vista and a Jazz orchestra.

Leisa Zylstra, foundation and mission manager at Skiff Medical Center, said the event has reached capacity with 300 guests in past years.

Zylstra said many businesses in Jasper County have showed tremendous support by providing exciting auction items.

Zylstra said there is a hometown favorites package with gift cards for local restaurants and stores, a getaway package, a golf package and more.

What is more exciting than unknown gifts? Unknown desserts.

“We will have signature items from known places in Jasper County who make sweet treats,” Zylstra said. “The desserts will be on display, and we will auction off the items in a unique way. Instead of holding up a chocolate cake, its more whoever bids the highest gets to pick the dessert they want.”

Zylstra said it’s common for attendees to scope out the desserts beforehand and go after the ones they want.

“This is the only event all year that Skiff has where the proceeds benefit Skiff Medical Center,” Zylstra said.

The sponsorships began in the fall and the tickets go on sale two months in advance. Zylstra said there are a limited number of tickets left for purchase for this year’s event.

The fundraiser has changed over the years and has gotten increasingly larger, but Zylstra said since its inception there has been a good amount of positive feedback.

This year, all of the proceeds will go toward buying infant warmers, which are called Panda Warmers.

“I would say the first one totally exceeded our expectations and it was the first year we hosted it, and every year it just continues to grow,” Zylstra said. “We had so many positive comments in the community.”

Zylstra said the goal of the event is to raise money and have a unique and fun event for Newton.

“The key is that we try to keep it fresh and a little bit different so it doesn’t get stale,” Zylstra said. “It’s a group effort for Skiff Auxiliary and the Skiff Foundation, they play a huge role, and they are very active in getting sponsors.”

If anyone is interested in attending the event, there is a limited number of tickets left. Contact Zylstra at 641-787-3179.

Contact Kayla Langmaid at 641-792-3121 ext. 6513 or klangmaid@newtondailynews.com