High Plains Mental Health
Behind every mask is a face and behind every face is a story. Join High Plains Mental Health Center Endowment for the third annual “Masquerade on Main” gala in downtown Hays. This magical event will feature a masquerade ball theme full of mystery, music, delicious dinner and drinks, and a dazzling array of live and silent auction items.
The Masquerade on Main will be Saturday, July 25, at the beautiful and historic Strand Event Center, 1102 Main. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the event will end at 11 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at donatehighplains.com or auctria.events/masqueradeonmain. A $50 admission ticket includes food, cocktails or mocktails, and a bidding number for the evening’s live and silent charity auction. All proceeds will support recent development of Northwest Kansas’ only Crisis Intervention Center.
“We hope you will join us for a fun evening of music, drinks and good conversation, all to support a critically important community mission,” said James Gerstner, development officer. “This fun event has become a summer highlight for many people, and for good reason. It’s a unique night out you won’t want to miss.”
Tickets will be available online through July 25, and a limited number of tickets will be available at the door. Guests are encouraged to purchase their tickets in advance. Now through June 30, individuals who purchase at least one ticket will be entered into our “early bird” raffle to win two additional tickets to share with friends or family.
Music will be provided by Rocking Thunder Music Service, setting the stage for an unforgettable evening. Cocktail attire is suggested and opera masks are optional, as is dancing. Drink tickets will be provided for complementary cocktails or mocktails, and delicious dinner service will be provided by The Union Catering Company.
In addition to an extensive array of auction items, the event will feature two unique raffle games. For $20, guests may purchase a key for the evening, and one magical key will unlock the “phantom’s cage,” with the winner collecting all the prizes inside. Guests may also choose to purchase a mystery book for $20. The book is theirs to keep, and some books will contain gift cards within the pages. One lucky winner will receive a cash prize. All participants have an equal chance to win!
All proceeds from the event will benefit development of our new Crisis Intervention Center, which opened in May and is now accepting referrals. The CIC provides 24/7/365 support for adults 18 and older who are experiencing behavioral health crisis, with social detox services also available on-site. Clients are not directly billed for services received, part of our mission to improve access to life-saving treatment.
Total construction and start-up costs were approximately $7 million. Partial funding has been received but fundraising efforts are ongoing. The CIC is located in a fully renovated wing of Hadley Office Complex near downtown Hays. The facility is expected to serve at least 800 patients during its first year of operations.
“This is more than an investment in mental health infrastructure — it is an investment in hope, dignity, and community well-being,” said Craig Poe, CEO of High Plains Mental Health Center. “The CIC will provide immediate stabilization, professional support, and a path forward for individuals in crisis, ensuring they receive the right care, at the right time, in the right place.”
The Masquerade on Main is High Plains Mental Health Center’s largest annual fundraising event, focusing on a theme of un-masking stigma around mental illness and difficult emotions. Everyone has a story, and it’s not all written yet! Mental healthcare is healthcare, and timely access to needed treatment is essential for building strong, resilient communities. Now more than ever, you can shine a light and help change someone’s story.
“Together, we can save lives, change lives and keep families together,” Poe said. “Please partner with us in shining a light on mental health awareness by buying tickets and joining us for a fun evening on July 25.”