The gala event, “Empty Place at the Table,” will be held at 6 p.m. Nov. 1 at the Robbins Center located on the Fort Hays State University campus. It is being sponsored by Jana’s Campaign and is aimed at educating people about and preventing gender and relationship violence. The proceeds from this gala event will further support the growth of this campaign throughout Kansas.
Christie Brungardt and Curt Brungardt, mother and stepfather of Jana Mackey, started Jana’s campaign in memory of their daughter. Both teach in the Leadership Studies Department at Fort Hays State University.
Mackey was a 25-year-old Kansas University law student who was a victim of domestic violence. She was found dead in her ex-boyfriend’s home on July 3, 2008. Mackey was known as an advocate for women’s rights and had spent years volunteering to aid victims of sexual assault and domestic violence.
“Empty Place at the Table” is the annual fundraising event for Jana’s Campaign and is in its third year. “The campaign has been in existence for five years, but we started this fundraiser three years ago,” Christie Brungardt said.
The gala is open for anyone to attend. Tickets are $50 per person and can be reserved at www.janascampaign.org. They will be available until sold out. Cocktails will start at 6 p.m., with a dinner following at 7 p.m. Cocktail attire is required.
Live music will play throughout the event, and an auction will follow the dinner.
Both Brungardts will speak at the gala. “There will also be a ‘Celebrating 5 years of Jana’s Campaign’ video played,” Christie Brungardt said.
This event could not be possible without scholarships that are used to help defray expenses, Christie Brungardt said. “Most items for the event have been donated from generous donors. Any incidental expenses will come from the Jana’s Campaign general program fund,” Christie Brungardt said.
Most of the donors who provided scholarships are those who could not attend the event, but who want to help Jana’s Campaign, Christie Brungardt said.
A block of rooms is available for out-of-town guests at the Best Western Butterfield Inn, 1010 E. 41st St. in Hays, at a discounted rate. The rate is $108 per night and includes two queen beds.
For more information about the campaign or gala visit the website at www.janascampaign.org.