Assistance League® of Indianapolis Celebrates 25th Anniversary of Operation School Bell® - Shoes
Since the year 2000, 62,708 children have received new athletic shoes from Assistance League® of Indianapolis as participants in Operation School Bell® - Shoes
 This philanthropic program began in response to a request from social workers of Indianapolis Public Schools.
The first chairman, Judy Tomke, forged a partnership with Shoe Carnival. In the initial year, members along with Shoe Carnival employees from several stores in Indianapolis and the surrounding counties., were able to supply 1,108 students from IPS with one pair of socks and a pair of brand-new athletic shoes. Five other school districts in the Indianapolis metropolitan area were quickly added and the number of students served by the program grew.
During the years it has existed, the program has adapted and changed as needs arose. The support of Shoe Carnival managers Tom Wells, Don Archer, Lisa Holt and Ryan McCracken have been invaluable. Likewise, the input and hard work of chairmen Judy Tomke, Lynne Hurlbut, Adele Carr, Tish McFarren, Cathy Weimer, Susie Hacker, Nancy Bennett, Laurel Burns, Deb Eggleston, Sally Mills and Janet Simpson have made the program a success.
Assistance League® of Indianapolis celebrates the 25th Anniversary of Operation School Bell® - Shoes and looks forward to more years of serving qualifying students through this program.

For more information please visit https://www.alindy.org/shoes

Write-up Courtesy of Karen Snider, Chairman of Public Relations

Mission Possible – A Night of Rock and Roll, benefiting Assistance
League® of Indianapolis, was held Saturday, March 29 at the Indianapolis
Art Center. One hundred fifty attendees wore bell bottoms, bandanas, tie
dye, peace dresses, tunics, flowered head bands and wire rimmed glasses
from the 60s and 70s. They enjoyed delicious hors d’oeuvres from Sweet
and Savory Catering, listened and danced to the band 40 Years of College
and bid on Silent Auction “experiences”. CarDon and Associates Inc. was
presented with the Star Award for their tremendous dedication and support
over the years to our organization.

Love and Peace filled the room, everyone had a lovely evening! Co-
chairmen for the event were Cindy Eiteljorg and Peggy Hall, with Linda
Froberg and the Mission Possible Committee working hard to make the
event a huge success. Thank you to our generous sponsors, all who
attended and to all our donors for your support!

On August 28, 2024, Vickie Theis was named recipient of the Anne Banning Leadership Award for Assistance League® of Indianapolis. The remarks below were given by past president, Sharon Gleason.

It has been my privilege, as President from 2022 – 2023, to chair our Anne Banning Leadership Award committee. Vickie Theis was to be honored with this award this past May, but life threw her a bit of a curve ball. Vickie unfortunately had to have surgery to repair a severely broken wrist the day of our presentation, so we did what we do best, pivoted!

Although the presentation had to be delayed, it is no less exciting to finally honor Vickie for all she has done throughout her many years of sustained and distinguished service to Assistance League of Indianapolis.

When I think of our Anne Banning Recipient, I think of leadership, service, and commitment to Assistance League. I reflect on her sustained enthusiasm and guidance. When I asked Vickie what she loves about Assistance League, her answers were quick and to the point:
Loves the Mission
Loves the Programs
Loves the Diversity
Loves the People

She probably did not need to tell me all those points. Her love for all we do and those we serve, both current and past members and friends of Assistance League shows through the minute her face lights up to talk about her history. What an impact she has had through all these years!

Vickie joined Assistance League in the summer of 1991. She had to have a sponsor to become a member. Members at this time were provisional members until they had more experience.

However, she accepted Membership Chairman (now VP of Membership) in December 1991 when a member had to resign. This was a full 6 months after she joined! She continued in the position during the years of 1992 through 1993. Her goal was to make Assistance League of Indianapolis a strong, independent chapter and to meet National’s requirements.

From 1993-1994 Vickie was Provisional Training Chair. This would be equivalent to our Orientation Chair. What was key in this position: she developed our Chapters first training/orientation manual for new members.
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In 1994 – She researched a new fundraising idea that Assistance League of St. Louis was undertaking. She thought it could work for our Chapter as well. After putting together details and presenting her idea to the Board and Membership, she and member Penny Fisher became the first Chairs of the I Wish campaign. This fundraiser is now known 30 years later as our Operation School Bell © Mailer campaign.

Our recipient in 1994 had now been a member for 3 years. With her enthusiasm and leadership skills, she becomes President Elect for 1994 – 1995 and President 1995 – 1996.

During her years as President, a few of her accomplishments:
1 st Board Training for the Chapter.
1 st Speakers Bureau.
1 st Long Range Planning (now: Strategic Planning).
1 st Holiday gathering for members, at her home. This event was encouraged by her husband, Jim. He wanted to meet the ladies who kept calling the house!!
New Philanthropic Program: Caps for Kids. This program was originally called Riley Caps for Kids. It helped children who had lost their hair due to illness or injury. The program ran from 1995 to 2009.

 New Board positions were developed:
Donor Database: Nancy Farris, Chair
 Community Newsletter: Judy Tomke, Chair
 1 st Spring Fest (now: Placement Committee)
I need to chat about this one for just a minute. The flyer for this event, has the
letters of Spring Fest down the side and a description of what each letter means.

It truly speaks to Vickie’s enthusiasm for Assistance League and how she shows
an example of comradery for all our members:

S – Social Event for all members.
 P - Placement – Sign-up sheets available.
 R – Rejoice in this year’s accomplishments.
 I – Interaction and conversation with friends.
N – New Members will be present. Let’s get acquainted!
G – Good time guaranteed to all who attend
 F – Food all day – Brunch, lunch, and sweets to munch!
E – Everyone is invited!
S – Stop by anytime 10 am – 2:30pm OR 7:00pm – 8:30pm.
T – Thursday May 7 th
(Please note: This event was held at her HOME! 86 of 110 members attended
this event! Once again, Jim, her very supportive husband, got to meet the ladies
she spent so much time with!)

After Presidency, she certainly did not rest. She has been:

1996-1997: Fundraising Chair (now VP of Resource Development).
1997 – 1998: VP of Membership. She was also, our first Social Chair.
1998 – 1999: Chaired expansion of Operation School Bell into Lawrence Township as well as Bylaws Chair.
1999 – 2001: Developed the Long-Range Plan, a two-year process.
2002 – 2004: The Chapter was strongly encouraged by National to start to write down our rules and processes for governing.  Our recipient reached out to contacts in 3 other chapters and asked for their policies. She wrote some example policies for us.  Then she formed a committee and spent the next two years leading and guiding this committee to write and develop our Chapter's first Policies.

A few other positions:
Chair of Hygiene kits.
Chair of the Day for Operation School Bell.
Chaired luncheon for IPS Social Workers at SCIPS.
Co-Chaired Community Donor Open house at Operation School Bell.
Chair of Nominating Committee 3 times.
A big one – Chair of 25 th Charter Anniversary Celebration. The scrap book to this event is up here today. If you get a chance, please look through it. The details for the day are simply amazing. But what truly touched me, was the way she reached out to members, especially ALL Past Presidents and alumni to be sure they could try to make the event.
Did they have trouble getting there that day? No worries, she would arrange
transportation for them. It was such a celebration of our Chapter on a grand scale. If you do not get a chance to see this scrapbook today, the next time you are at the office, glance through this book. You will see the 25 th celebration of our chapter come alive in its pages.

We have heard so many accolades of our recipient today. Honestly it is humbling and inspiring to be able to present her accomplishments on behalf of all of US!
What I would like to say on a personal level, Vickie embodies kindness, warmth, welcoming, encouragement and true listening. She is a one-of-a-kind woman for others.
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All of what she does for us is only second to taking care of her loving, beautiful family! Taking on leadership roles is not an individual, isolated undertaking. It takes the support and generosity of spouses and family as well. Her husband, Jim, has been an unwavering supporter of Assistance League throughout all these years. Together, they support all our fundraisers, not only by attending, but by filling a table with their friends. Recently, as Vickie was getting ready to sell her home, she showed me which closets and rooms had been used in the early years of Assistance League as storage for records and Operation School Bell inventory. As you can see, her giving to Assistance League has been a family affair! Vickie’s daughter Stephanie is also here with us today. Son John and daughter Michelle could not make the trip in town. To Jim, Stephanie, and to your entire family, we are so very grateful!!

Vickie, thank you for your dedication and 33 years of service and commitment to Assistance League of Indianapolis. We are so grateful and honored to have you as a founding leader.
Congratulations!

Sharon Gleason, Chairman
Anne Banning Leadership Award Committee

This May, Community Coordinator Barb Mohr, along with Janet Cordes and Margaret Lawrence, were invited to speak to fourth grade students at Eagle Elementary School in Zionsville, Indiana about Assistance League® of Indianapolis.  Margaret's daughter is a fourth-grade teacher at the school.

In the spring Eagle Elementary in Zionsville has a showcase event. This year the fourth graders chose to be influencers for a not-for-profit and selected Assistance League of Indianapolis over several other groups. Students researched the National Assistance League website, watched the video on ALIndy.org and read about the philanthropic programs that serve the Indianapolis community.

The three ladies coordinated an hour-long presentation including student interaction. Students were asked questions about what they had seen and learned, and students responded with questions of their own. The students also learned about our Literacy Trial, which resulted in the students and their parents donating first grade books.
 
The 74 fourth graders wrote inspirational notes to include in duffel bags that students participating in the program Operation School Bell receive. The cards were creative and encouraging.

Later, Eagle Elementary had an open house on May 23 to encourage visitors to donate to Assistance League of Indianapolis. Member volunteers were invited to come and see what the students had done. 
 
Students constructed a website to inform their school community about Indianapolis Assistance League of Indianapolis and its caring and commitment to the Central Indiana area. Visitors to the site have access to a donation link.
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Assistance League of Indianapolis is grateful for the community support received from Eagle Elementary School.   

Attendees of Mission Possible: 2024, a fundraiser benefiting Assistance League® of Indianapolis, stepped up to make the wishes of those the organization serves, come true. Held April 18th, at the charming Daniel’s Family Vineyard & Winery, the evening was packed with fun for all participants. Guests began to enjoy the party as soon as they made their way to the rustic, yet elegant event space enhanced by a large crystal chandelier. 
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 After picking up nametags at the registration table, guests began bidding on 15 silent auction packages and dropping raffle tickets into plexiglass cubes in front of several varied items. In addition, 50/50 raffle tickets were also available. Some of the travel experiences included in the auction were a vacation week at one of five Vidanta Mayan Palace Resorts, one night at the Indianapolis JW Marriott and tickets to an Indianapolis Indians game, a Kenny Chesney concert in Nashville with hotel stay and dinner, plus a Cubs game along with hotel and theatre.  A few of the other offerings were six tickets to Helium Comedy Club, dinner for eight prepared by a chef and a George McGinnis signed basketball. While they monitored the status of their bids, attendees enjoyed passed hors d’oeuvres. 

​As guests sat down to dinner, they were welcomed by Co-Chairmen Jenien Beach and Janet Simpson. Cathy Weimer, President of Assistance League of Indianapolis, thanked the group not only for attending but also for supporting the organization’s mission. Later, Past President Patricia Johnson spoke about the impact Assistance League’s philanthropic programs have on the community such as providing children with clothes that they need to attend school, giving a grieving or sick child or adult a teddy bear to hug, letting assault victims know someone cares by providing for them new warm clothing and offering friendship to a lonely adult. She concluded her talk by how proceeds from the evening’s fundraiser really could make the wishes of those served come true.
The evening finished with music, line dancing and the announcement of raffle winners. Matt Moore, from Five Star Dance Studios kept the tempo lively and encouraged the participants with his instructions. Attendees knew that besides attending a wonderful party, they also enabled Assistance League of Indianapolis to continue its mission of caring and commitment to the Indianapolis community.

Funds raised will enable the organization’s philanthropic programs to continue. Operation School Bell® which is comprised of Apparel, Shoes and Beyond the Bell has provided clothing to 74,677 students since opening in 1984 and donated 58,182 pairs of athletic shoes to children in need. ALI Bears has provided comfort and caring through the 26,904 bears that have been distributed since 1987. ALI Friends has enhanced the lives of an untold number of seniors and disabled adults and their families since 1990. Assault Survivor Kits® has distributed 18,399 kits and 23,759 undergarments since the program began in 1994.

The wonderful event would not have been possible without the hard work of event Co-Chairmen Jenien Beach and Janet Simpson. Their committee included Andrea Arbore, Judy Barnes, Nancy Bennett, Adele Carr, Rosy Crowley, Kathy Detzler, Linda Froberg, Carol Gambrel, Sharon Gleason, Mary Gosling, Linda Groogan, Susie Hacker, Della Hall, Patty Johnson, Elly Johnston, Kay Kinder, Kathy Lengerich, Barbara Mohr, Susie Moore, Leslie Morgan, Linda Ranger, Barb Shankel, Karen Snider, Judy Tomke, Carol Valentine, Cathy Weimer, Kathy Wylam and Julie Yates.

Assistance League of Indianapolis is grateful for the evening’s sponsors. Title sponsor was Judy and John Tomke. Platinum sponsors were Nancy Farris, Heart of a Man, Inc., Landa Foundation, Vickie and Jim Theis, plus Barb and Tom Zurek. Gold sponsor was Amy and Andrew Michie. Silver Sponsors included Sandy and Larry Speer, Patty and Ken Burow and Deb and Mike Myers. Bronze sponsors were Andrea and Rick Arbore, Linda and Terry Farias, Dina Graham, Merchants Bank, Barb and Pete Mohr as well as Leslie and David Morgan. In kind services were provided by Repro Graphix, Inc., and Five Star Dance Studios.

All who attended can know that they have played a part in helping Assistance League continue their spirit of caring and commitment in the Indianapolis community. More information is available HERE. Although this fundraiser is over for another year, donations can be made at any time by clicking HERE. 

Written by President Elect, Carol Valentine

Action Week 2024 is over! Let me tell you it was an incredible experience, an experience we’ve not had the opportunity to do for awhile. First I’d like to thank my wonderful committee, especially my talented puppeteers – Susie Main,
Ruth Ann Arany, Janet Cordes, and Susan Noeller. The “roadies” that helped us set up and pack up were Barb Shankel, Patty Johnson, Susan Seet, Cathy Camp, and Laura Ellis. And Brenta Clem. The book sorters, sticker applicators, and general all around help were Linda Ranger, Claire Marshall, Pat Deyhle, and Barb Mohr. All these ladies were super helpful, on time, and cheerful, and for that I am grateful.

I’d also like to say we donated books to and performed the puppet show twice at a wonderful little IPS school called Jonathan Jennings, IPS 109. After the books that had been donated by our members and community partners were properly stickered with our donation sticker, we delivered them to 109 on Tuesday, February 13. The rest of the books had been delivered by Scholastic to the school and were waiting for us in the library. The team worked fast, and the books were all ready on the library tables for the kids to choose 2 books. Kevin McMahon, the Principal of 109 had the kids in there by class on Thursday, February 15, when we arrived to perform. The students were so excited to receive the books, and they thanked us many times. In total, we donated 1,350 books to the school, half for the library and half for the students to take home. We were so happy we got to see the students picking out books, and we talked to them about reading and helped some of them pick out the perfect one.

We performed the puppet show – Eddie and the Magic Buttons – for the kindergartners in the morning – they came in excited and left absolutely beside themselves with joy. One of the teachers said her mom would like to join a group like ours. Another teacher was nearly in tears because one of her students who is autistic spoke to Eddie the puppet – she had never heard him speak. In the afternoon we performed for the 1 st graders, who were equally excited, and good readers, too.

This was a happy school – these kids are so lucky to go there, and we were so happy to be there, we smiled the whole time. We who have been members for a long time have nearly forgotten what it is to be with children, to hear their voices, and see their faces. I hope we can get back to it soon.

Thank you to all the members who donated, and to National Bank of Indianapolis, who conducted a book drive for us and donated 168 books. We couldn’t have done it without you, and although the kids benefitted, we benefitted more because we got to see their enjoyment.All in all Action Week 2024 was a huge success, thanks to outstanding teamwork.

On Thursday, December 7, Assistance League® of Indianapolis hosted Jingle and Mingle! Holiday Luncheon and Style Show. Held annually, the fundraiser is a holiday tradition in the Indianapolis area. Proceeds benefit Operation School Bell®  divisions of Apparel, Shoes and Beyond the Bell plus ALI Bears, ALI Friends and Assault Survivor Kits.
 
Jingle & Mingle! Is made possible by the efforts of many workers who spent hours inputing data, preparing for the silent auction, collecting reservations, making centerpieces, setting up and much more. Co-chairmen Adele Carr and Rosemary Crowley led an outstanding team of: Mary Reid, Event Treasurer; Sharon Gleason, Sponsorships; Vendors, Susie Main; Silent Auction, Cathy Camp & Brenda Goodrich; Silent Auction Buyers, Cindee Potterack & Kathy Kerr Wylam; Reservations, Kathy Lengerich; Invitation/Programs, Kathy Detzler; Decorations, Lynne Hurlbut; Style Show, Sandy Speer; Purse-a-Palooza,  Susie Moore; Wreath, Laurel Burns & Jane Hoover; Raffle, Susan Kwiatkowski; PR/Posters, Kathy Kerr Wylam; Membership, Janine Bercovitz; Setup/Takedown, Risa Stockton & Adele Carr and One Cause/IT, Carol Gambrel & Andrea Arbore.
 
As in past years, the Holiday Luncheon and Style Show was held at the Ritz Charles in Carmel. Guests enjoyed a silent auction as well as holiday shopping from Kits and Kaboodle Classic Toys, Zionsville Olive Oil, Secret Ingredient Boutique, Lucy Bug, Old Thyme Adornments and Pamela C. Newell Fine Art. Adding to the fun was a 50/50 raffle plus a raffle for a wreath decorated with $500 worth of gift cards. New this year was Purse-A-Palooza: gently used purses were offered for sale, each with bonus surprises inside. Three lucky buyers found $100 inside their purchase! Also for sale were poinsettias and table centerpieces.
 
Once again, the support of community partners and sponsors aided in the success of the event. The Secret Ingredient Boutique organized the style show with clothes modeled by Assistance League member volunteers. Sharp Printing gave an in-kind donation by producing the programs. Sponsors included CarDon & Associates, Service Plus, Landa Foundation Inc., Lori Covert, Nancy Farris, Barb & Tom Zurek, Connie & Stephen Pollom, Sandy & Larry Speer, Vickie & Jim Theis, Carol & Keith Gambrel, Judy & John Tomke, Christy Corey, Sharon & Kevin Gleason, Sally & Alan K. Mills, Cathy & Matt Weimer and Kathy Kerr & Bruce Wylam,
  
Assistance League of Indianapolis is grateful for the support of the businesses, organizations and individuals such as the luncheon attendees whose generous gifts allow our mission of caring and commitment to the Indianapolis Community. For more information on the organization’s philanthropic programs click here. To donate click here.