Annual Golden Guitars Gala raises money for Children’s Miracle Network

PHOTO LINK: The guitar signed by the band Foreigner was the top selling guitar at Saturday’s event. The winning bid was $29,000.

Rapid City, S.D. (June 13, 2023) – The second Golden Guitars Gala, a Monument Health Foundation fundraiser for Children’s Miracle Network, raised more than $316,000 on Saturday night at The Monument. One guitar, signed by the band Foreigner, attracted a winning bid of $29,000 during the gala’s live guitar auction.

This event is in its second year and raises money for the Children’s Miracle Network. Each year, one-of-a-kind Golden Guitars signed by the musicians who play at The Monument and other select venues were auctioned off during the event. All of the money raised will stay local and support children in the Black Hills who receive care at Monument Health hospitals.

“Once again, our incredible community showed up to help us break records and raise funds for our littlest patients,” said Hans Nelson, Director of the Monument Health Foundation. “The money raised helps Monument Health, as a member of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, purchase medical equipment and fund programs for children’s services and future expansion.”

The Golden Guitars Gala, attended by more than 250 people, featured live music by Kory and the Fireflies, information about the impact of CMN in our region and a live auction featuring 18 celebrity guitars, plus one surprise celebrity guitar signed by Willie Nelson.

South Dakota artist Kory Van Sickle of Kory and the Fireflies developed the event as part of his company’s philanthropic program, Firefly Guitars. For this event, Golden Firefly Guitars were signed by musical luminaries and up-and-coming stars, from Elle King to ZZ Top, who have performed at The Monument and other select venues.

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About Monument Health

Headquartered in Rapid City, S.D., Monument Health is a community-based health care system with a mission to make a difference, every day. The system offers care in 31 medical specialties and serves 14 communities across western South Dakota and in eastern Wyoming. With over 5,000 physicians and caregivers, Monument Health is composed of 5 hospitals and 38 medical clinics and specialty centers. Monument Health is a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network.