DHDC Donor Reception

The Downtown Hays Development Corporation celebrated a momentous occasion on Saturday, April 18 in the historic Strand Theater building located at 1102 Main Street. Over 75 Downtown Hays contributors and friends were in attendance to celebrate the completion of a fund drive that netted nearly $690,000.

Nine years ago the DHDC began a fund drive to purchase six buildings in Downtown Hays and in January of 2009, the DHDC Board of Directors made the final payment. Those six properties include: 1007 Main – currently Salon 1007, 1011 Main – currently Simply Charmed, 117 E. 11th Street – currently Gella’s Diner and Lb. Brewing Co., 1100 Main – currently Bildschon Haus, 1102 Main – the historic Strand Theater property which is undergoing renovation and 1107 - 1111 Main – a set of three storefronts known locally as the Oddfellows building which is currently vacant and awaiting renovation. Proposed architectural drawings for Oddfellows building were on hand for guests to view.

Receiving special recognition during the evening was Chestnut Street Donors, Robert and Patricia Schmidt. “Bob and Pat, whenever we needed a boost whether it was a challenge,  a pep talk reminding us of the importance of our mission or supporting a Downtown Hays fundraiser, you always came through for us and without your constant encouragement, we couldn’t have done this. Thank you,” commented Sabrina William during Saturday’s reception.

All donors for this project will be commemorated on bronze plaques which will be placed this fall on the north wall of 1013 Main Street, currently occupied by Bildschon Baby.

Guests were treated to live music from Shades of Gray and hors d’ oeuvres consisting of  pork tostados, bruchetta, stuffed mushrooms, chips and dip, and chocolate truffles. The evening’s ambiance was due in large part to the premier sponsorship of Hays Medical Center as well as sponsorship assistance from Sunflower Bank and Liberty Group. Contributions were also made by Bildschon Haus, C.S. Post & Co., Cintas Corporation, Commercial Sign, Hays Arts Council, Nex-Tech, Henry Schwaller IV, Stacey Smith and the Wild West Festival Committee.