Beginning in 2015 with the theme “Masquerade for your Health,” the costume party has formulated new strategies each year to raise much needed funds for the center, running plays from the 1920s, 1970s, and the 1980s. The change to the lineup comes to Community Health Center after its drafting of team member Regina Suhrbier as the new outreach coordinator.

“This really isn’t a masquerade and isn’t just a ball,” said Suhrbier. “This is a costume party. With our date falling so close to Halloween, it just makes sense. We are asking folks to help us score for the health of our community.”

And thus, the theme “All-Star Fundraising Costume Party” was born.

Following the theme this year should be a home run for everyone. Fans in attendance that love dressing in costume are encouraged to do so, but hardcore Hawkeye fans can come in their favorite T-shirt or hoodie as well. There are two kinds of people in the world — those who are all in when it comes to wearing an elaborate costume and those who will wear every piece of sports attire they own to support their favorite team.

“This (theme) gives options to everyone,” said Suhrbier.

The evening will include sports themed games such as golf and bag tossing during social hour, which starts at 6 p.m. There will also be a cash bar available throughout the evening, live and silent auction items, a photo booth courtesy of Troy Schroeder, and half-time entertainment.

“It is going to be a fun night out for a great cause,” said Suhrbier.

She was tight-lipped about the half-time entertainment as she feels a little bit of suspense around the entertainment is a good thing.

Dinner will begin at 7 p.m. and is being catered by Lidderdale Country Store Catering. There will be three different meats offered: pork loin, roast beef, and grilled chicken. There will also be cheesy hash browns, a crowd favorite, and seven different salads available.

The Community Health Center of Fort Dodge offers medical, dental and behavioral health services, with a mission to provide quality health care to all. It is open to all residents, regardless of insurance status and offers a sliding pay scale for those who qualify.

Every year the center tries to identify a couple of items that would go a long way toward caring for the clients. This year, funds raised will go toward the purchase of new automatic blood pressure cuffs and an eye screening machine. The money will also provide general support of the clinic to help with its mission of providing quality health care services to all.

Suhrbier is especially excited about the possibility of an eye screening machine. She feels the machine is important because some families don’t have the means to travel or pay for additional services. If children can be screened by the center when they receive well-child checks and immunizations, maybe the families would find out that additional services aren’t immediately needed and they can save those fees. Or, they may find out that additional services really are warranted and that an additional trip to a specialist is necessary.

“Our clinic’s ability to continue to operate and serve our community is due in part to the generous support of donors. For many kids and families, we are their primary care and they are not able to travel easily to other facilities for more care. The more care we can offer, such as eye screening, the better.” said Renae Kruckenberg, chief executive officer of Community Health Center.

In conjunction with the event there is also a raffle drawing going on. For $25, or five for $100, guests can purchase the chance to win one of three big prizes: a $2,500 credit card gift card, a $1,00 family photo package from Memories in Focus by Troy Schroeder, or $500 in groceries from either Hy-Vee or Fareway. The drawing will take place at the costume party, but guests do not need to be present to win. Raffle tickets are being sold by Community Health Center employees, at the front desk of the heath center, or at Shimkat Motor Co.

Tickets for the All-Star Fundraising Costume Party are $45 per person in advance and $50 per person at the door. A table of eight can also be purchased in advance for $325 for individuals and businesses wanting to come as a group. Tickets are available at the Community Health Center of Fort Dodge, 126 N. 10th St., by calling 576-6500 or at Shimkat Motor Co.