‘Heroes of Hope; Healing’ Triple Raffle to Raise Funds for Crisis Center

*PRESS RELEASE FROM HIGH PLAINS MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE

HAYS, Kan. (for immediate release) – An all-new triple raffle event is live now to raise funds supporting High Plains Mental Health Center’s new Crisis Intervention Center, opening its doors to Northwest Kansas on May 4. The “Heroes of Hope; Healing Triple Raffle” offers three incredible chances to win three incredible prizes.

Tickets are $20 each or a bundle of six tickets per $100. The raffle can be entered online by visiting donatehighplains.com and clicking the link to the raffle website,

https://heroesofhopeandhealing.auctria.events/

The “Heroes Raffle” will feature a grand prize of $1,000 cash, plus a second-place prize of $500 and a third-place prize of $250. Each ticket may win only once. A winner drawn live on May 1, 2026. Need not be present to win.

The “Hope Raffle” will be a traditional 50/50 split the pot raffle. The lucky winner will take home half of the total amount of money raised on this raffle only. Winner will be drawn live on May 1; need not be present to win.

The “Healing Raffle” will provide the chance to win a used car! The grand prize is a pale green 2013 Ford Focus Hatchback that has been part of the High Plains Mental Health Center staff vehicle fleet. The vehicle is in good condition and has been subjected to regular maintenance. One winner will be drawn live at the Masquerade on Main gala scheduled for July 25 in downtown Hays. Need not be present to win.

Potential ticket buyers now have a choice. Do you enter the “Heroes Raffle” for set prizes – or do you enter the “Hope Raffle,” driving the grand prize even higher? Or do you need a car and plan to enter the “Healing Raffle?” You can buy one ticket for each, or buy a bundle for one and a single ticket for another. The choice is yours!

Fort Hays State University Leadership 310 students will partner with High Plains Mental Health Center to benefit this important initiative and support this fun new event. Watch social media for more information and events coming soon, and don’t forget to purchase your tickets.

All proceeds will benefit development of the Crisis Intervention Center, which will bring urgently needed behavioral health treatment to Northwest Kansas. Owned and operated by High Plains Mental Health Center, the CIC provides 24/7/365 therapeutic and psychiatric care for adults experiencing mental health or substance use crises. Located on the third floor of the Hadley office building in a secure wing, the CIC will be initially licensed for 16 beds, with physical capacity to expand to 23. The unit will offer medical and therapeutic treatment for mental health crises in addition to social detoxification for

individuals with substance use challenges. The typical length of stay will be three days, with the ability to extend admissions as needed.

The CIC will accept voluntary patients, who choose to self-refer to the facility for treatment, and involuntary patients who are in law enforcement custody due to the severity of their symptoms. This facility is the first of its kind in western Kansas, operating under a new type of licensure approved in the State of Kansas in 2024. Clients will not receive a bill for services provided at the CIC.

Construction and development are ongoing and High Plains Mental Health Center Endowment is actively fundraising to support this life-saving project. Total project costs are approximately $7 million. Partial funding has been secured to help offset those costs, but community support is urgently needed, Poe said. All donations are tax-deductible.

“We can’t do this without your help. Every donation helps make this center a reality for those who need our support,” Poe said. “Join us in creating a space where everyone can get the care they need in the most effective setting. Every single gift counts. Every dollar matters. Please help us build a more resilient Northwest Kansas community.”

For more information about the CIC or to give securely online, visit donatehighplains.com today. Contributions can be mailed to 208 E. 7 th Street, Hays, KS 67601. For more information, contact development officer James Gerstner at donate@hpmh.com.

Donors of $500 or more will receive a plaque in their name on our mobile donor recognition wall, which travels to events throughout the state to maximize visibility and will ultimately find a permanent home inside the new CIC facility. Pledges and payment plans are available.

High Plains Mental Health Center is a licensed Community Mental Health Center and Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic dedicated to the aggressive pursuit of providing a comprehensive mental health program to the residents of Northwest Kansas. Embodied in this pursuit are fundamental principles of establishing quality services as close to home as possible, at an affordable fee, and delivered in the least disruptive manner available. Such services will offer a continuum of care so that treatment can be

individualized, and our staff can respond quickly and compassionately to those reaching out to us. We’re Here for You … Because YOU Are Important.