The MS Achievement Center knows how to throw a memorable fundraiser, and for the second year in a row they’ve found the perfect spot for it at Ball Event Center.
Founded in 1997 and now part of the University of Kansas Medical Center, the MS Achievement Center serves people whose daily lives have been severely impacted by multiple sclerosis. Seventy-five percent of the Center’s members use a wheelchair, and none are currently working. “MS is a very isolating disease,” says Marketing and Events Coordinator Donna Karlen. “It takes away access, relationships, careers, and the Center is a place where they find their own connection.” 
The MS Achievement Center is located on Rainbow Boulevard, just north of KU Medical Center. It provides opportunities for exercise, educational programs, recreation, and social opportunities to its members, and is one of the few such programs in the United States. “Having a place to go where they belong, that’s ‘their place,’ is their connection, and it brings value to them,” Karlen says.
Eat, Bid, Laugh is the Center’s signature fundraiser. Every year, one evening of food, fun, and philanthropy helps support people living with progressed MS. Karlen describes it as “a silent auction, cocktail hour, buffet dinner, mission moment, and fun games all rolled into one.” This year’s theme is Inspire, and guests are encouraged to take part in an Inspired Attire Contest by dressing in feathers, sequins, ruffles, and bright colors. “Our goal is to make people think about what inspires and motivates them, and how can they inspire others?” says Executive Director Judy Markwardt-Oberheu. “How to make an impact with the resources at hand and in the place that you are.”
Guests browse auction tables stocked with donated items, mingle during cocktail hour in Ball’s spacious main lobby, and then move into the ballroom for dinner, followed by a video sharing one member’s story. This year’s profile is of Ryan, a veteran whose one day a week at the Center has become his lifeline. “The day he comes to the Achievement Center is the one day of the week that he gets out of bed,” Markwardt-Oberheu says. “He told us that when he comes to the Center, ‘I don’t have to explain what MS is or what I’m going through.’”
Accessibility, adaptability, amenities, and atmosphere
Given the nature of the Center’s mission, and that many members, patrons, and guests use wheelchairs, accessibility is a top priority in selecting a venue. “Ball Event Center really fits that bill,” says Markwardt-Oberheu. “They have zero-entry access, wide doorways, and great local, free parking. That’s not always the case with downtown venues.”
The Ball Event Center’s neutral décor is another plus. Because the fundraiser’s theme changes every year, the team appreciates having a “blank slate” to decorate to match their vision, whether last year’s Night Among the Stars sparkle or the bright colors, textures, and playful touches that will “inspire” attendees this year.
The Ball Event Center’s layout accommodates every part of the evening, from sponsor tables to entertainment to the dinner service. Multiple large screens make it easy for everyone to see the mission video, even from the farthest table. A well-equipped stage and customizable lighting enhance the atmosphere, and the staff helps make sure everything runs smoothly. “Michael has been great to work with,” says Markwardt-Oberheu. “He understands that nonprofit perspective and how we are on a shoestring budget. The value for what we get there is just amazing.”
Ball also saves the Center the trouble of finding service providers. Karlen adds, “We’ve used Ball’s preferred caterer and bartender service for two years and have been very satisfied. The warming kitchen, ice machine, and other amenities make it easy to manage an event of this size.”
More than a fundraiser
While Eat, Bid, Laugh raises funds through ticket sales, auctions, and donations, it’s also a celebration of community. Members, caregivers, KU Medical Center staff, sponsors, and supporters all come together to honor the resilience of people living with MS. “This event celebrates what is accomplished by the members here,” Markwardt-Oberheu says. “How they show up, how they support each other, how they encourage each other, and how they really have become a community.”
The event is organized by Friends of the MS Achievement Center, a nonprofit fundraising arm whose members serve as advocates and hosts for special events like Eat, Bid, Laugh and the Center’s annual Race to Nowhere stationary bike race.
How to get involved
Eat, Bid, Laugh: Inspire is on Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. The MS Achievement Center welcomes anyone interested in attending, the Center’s program, or volunteering to reach out by visiting www.msachievementcenter.org or connecting via Facebook and Instagram.
Ball Event Center is more than a venue for the Center. It’s a partner that helps make their biggest night of the year possible. From accessibility and adaptability to supportive staff and versatile amenities, Ball Event Center provides the space where inspiration, laughter, and generosity come together for one truly inspiring evening.
Want to host your event at Ball Event Center? Contact us today at https://balleventcenter.com/contact/
