Hambelton empowering women and children

What began in 2010 as a small gratitude event with a charitable component has grown into one of the hottest summer invitations in Wichita. Proceeds from the 2023 event are expected to push the all-time total raised for Harbor House at Catholic Charities over $100,000.

The annual ladies’ night out event hosted by Mel Hambelton Ford is an example of how an organization, business or group of friends can have fun while making a huge impact on the people served by Catholic Charities. This year, more than 300 guests gathered July 20 for “Hello Barbie, Let’s Go Party!” as the dealership was awash in pink.

The event started as a way for Lisa Hambelton, the new owner and principal dealer, to say “thanks for hanging in there with me” to her female employees and the wives of her male employees during the economically challenging years of 2008 and 2009.

With the help of a well-oiled planning committee, generous vendor partners, enthusiastic guests and entertaining themes, the event has grown into an evening that is both fun and impactful. Lisa credits lessons learned from both her parents in shaping the event.

Lisa learned all about the car business and customer service working alongside her father, Mel Hambelton, from the time she was 14 until she became owner and principal dealer of Mel Hambelton Ford in 2008. During that time, her father also taught her the importance of giving back to the community.

However, it was her mother, Beverly, who inspired Lisa