Oscar Martinez-Maraban, Great Bend, observed his birthday last Dec. 8 by purchasing tickets to win a new vehicle at the Sunflower Diversified Services raffle.

“Oscar told me that his mom’s car was starting to have a lot of issues,” said Cody Harris, Sunflower director of Planned Giving and Community Support. “Because of this, he bought some raffle tickets on his birthday and won the brand-new vehicle. 

“Now his mom has reliable transportation to get to and from work. We admire Oscar for his commitment to his family and support for people with special needs.”

The drawing was held April 3 in conjunction with Sunflower’s annual pancake feed at Prince of Peace Parish, 4100 Broadway.

“We had a great turnout at this event where 480 people enjoyed the pancakes and sausage,” Harris said. “In addition, we sold more than 2,300 raffle tickets.”

The vehicle drawing raised over $20,000 to support children and adults with developmental disabilities and delays.

“We had a great response to our first vehicle drawing a couple of years ago too,” Harris recalled. “Now we hope to offer the next raffle in two years, again in conjunction with the popular pancake feed.”

NexTech and Abbey Carpet & Floor co-sponsored the April 3 event.

“All of us at Sunflower appreciate our sponsors, those who bought tickets for the dinner and/or raffle, and everyone else who supports the people we serve,” Harris said. “Insurance and grants finance many of our services but we also rely on the generosity of our local and area neighbors.

“Donations help pay for dental care, adaptive equipment and much more. The people we serve and our staff are grateful to everyone who supports us in any way.”

Sunflower serves infants, toddlers and adults in Barton, Pawnee, Rice, Rush and Stafford counties. It is in its 59th year.