Sounds of friendly chatter, rolling dice, and shuffling cards filled the church gymnasium at the First Church of Nazarene, 525 E. Main St., on Friday at the Card Playing Benefit for Compassionate Hands.
“It’s a reunion of sorts,” said Thomas Buckley or “Pastor T” as many know him. “They pay to play and we feed them lunch and snacks.”
More than 100 participants attended the fundraiser. Compassionate Hands Board Member, Cathy Patton, said she was pleased with the turn-out, but they could always use more as it benefits the community. The Card Playing Benefit takes place twice a year. According to event organizers, the total financial contribution to Compassionate Hands is not yet known. However, the 50/50 raffle did help raise $342.
Pat Henry and three other women played cards at a table on Friday afternoon. Henry said the benefit is important for the community and makes a point to attend each year. “We come every year,” Henry said. “It’s enjoyable and for a good cause.”
Compassionate Hands serves Yukon as a clearing house, networking service, and referral agency to provide services, support and to foster hope for self-sufficiency. All the money raised through the card benefit is used to provide services to the community of Yukon. Compassionate Hands is a 501(c)(3) faith-based nonprofit ministry. It was organized in 1993 by the Yukon Ministerial Alliance, business leaders, and concerned citizens. The organization provides transportation, Monday through Friday, for the disabled and elderly to medical appointments, the grocery store, and other places of basic personal needs. The ministry transports residents who live in the 73099 zip code area and/or Yukon School District. Another function of the organization is to help struggling families facing utility cut-offs or eviction notices. Compassionate Hands offices are located at 119 S. 6th St.
Many volunteers and supporters took part in the Card Playing Benefit. Bobbie Beville hand-crafted two hats and blanket to give away as a door prize. Genie Vinson provided food for the Community Coffee before the event. The remaining food was donated for snacks for the benefit. Vinson also provided half a dozen sets of pot holders for door prizes.
Compassionate Hands will host a Mystery Dinner Theater on Friday at St. John’s Nepomuk Catholic School, 600 Garth Brooks Boulevard. Tickets are $45 and available online at the Compassionate Hands’ Yukon website or call 354-9591 for more information.