Annual Monett fundraiser Dining for Diabetes raises more than $100,000

Dining for Diabetes, an annual fundraiser supporting the diabetes education program through Cox Monett Hospital, held its 2024 event on Nov. 15 at the Monett City Park Casino.
Around 300 people turned out for the gathering, organized by the CoxHealth Foundation. This was the second year for the event at the Casino in a less formal format. Instead of a formal dinner, the program focused on games, serving up-class hors d’oeuvres and desserts, prepared by the Cox culinary staff, in addition to the auction for baskets and specialty items.
“We decided the community would like us to refresh the event, so we focused on the holiday,” said Lisa Alexander, president of CoxHealth Foundation. “We know people enjoy getting together. It’s fun to see all the folks checking in with each other, all while supporting a good cause.”
Alexander estimated the event netted more than $100,000, in part due to larger sponsorships. Funds are used to support programs helping persons with chronic diseases through education and financial aid to reach personal goals. Programs are run by CoxHealth’s population health department and its key staffers: Jessica Gilkey, Lisa Ramirez and Lauren Holland.
The centerpiece of the event was tables displaying bid packages from artwork and golf excursions to baskets of Kansas City Chiefs memorabilia. Bidders scanned QR codes to submit their offers.
“The Casino offered the space we needed,” Alexander said. “People enjoyed games and had an occasion to kick off the holiday season. This is a vital program, considering the number of people it serves. It’s been so successful that we’ve expanded it systemwide.”
Dining for Diabetes has been offered since 2006.
“We’re now working on a Monett endowment that will keep the Monett hospital state-of-the-art. We launched the endowment a year ago. We’re at $500,000 right now. Our goal is $1 million by next year. The Monett Community Advisory Board will guide the use of endowment funds.”