2014 Star Gala, “Wish Upon a Star”: Successful and Fun!

The April 2014 Star Gala, Co-Chaired by Marcia Hoffbauer and Susan Kwiatkowski, which was held on April 12, was a fun filled and successful night for Assistance League of Indianapolis.  The Star Gala is the organization’s premier fundraiser and is responsible for raising close to 20% of the funds needed to continue Assistance League’s philanthropic programs.  These programs include Operation School Bell, Shoes: A Division of Operation School Bell, Assault Survivor Kits, ALI Friends, ALI Bears

The Mistress of Ceremonies was Beth Vaughn, Morning News Anchor of WRTV Channel 6, who also serves on Assistance League of Indianapolis Advisory Council.  Her enthusiasm and commitment for the organization were evident in the energy she brought to announcing the evening’s events.  

The evening began with a silent auction of over 245 items which covered a diverse range of options such as: a child sized electric mustang convertible; sports memorabilia including a football signed by Indianapolis Colts Player T.Y. Hilton and a basketball signed by the Indiana Pacers’ players and coaches; luxury restaurant gift cards; and weekend getaways. Attendees had the opportunity to participate in two raffles; a dazzling diamond necklace donated by Distinctive Diamonds was offered as well as a wreath of gift cards totaling $500. After dinner the bidding was lively during the live auction for exotic travel packages in and out of the United States as well Indianapolis based entertainment. The Broad Ripple Sertoma Club provided casino games and guests enjoyed dancing to music provided by DJ Joe Debiak & Sound Spectrum Entertainment.

Andrea Arbore, President of Assistance League of Indianapolis, presented the Star Award.  This honor, which is not given out every year, was awarded to Broad Ripple Sertoma.  A consistent and committed supporter of Assistance League of Indianapolis, this worthy organization has donated significant resources to our organization and promoted our philanthropy throughout the Indianapolis community. During his acceptance speech, the President of Broad Ripple Sertoma, Larry Hutchinson, noted the similar goals and commitment each organization has toward serving the Indianapolis community.

Assistance League was honored to have many other distinguished attendees whose organizations and companies have greatly supported Assistance League’s philanthropic programs.  From Dow AgroSciences were:Antonio Galindez, current President and CEO; Tim Hassinger, President and CEO Elect, and Ben Crockett. Also attending was Dr. David Hillman, Program Officer, from the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust.  Dayton Molendorp, Chairman of the Board of American United Mutual Insurance Holding Company as well as Scott Davison, President and CEO of American United Mutual Insurance Holding Company were present. Guests from Hunt Construction Group Included: Bill Morthland, Executive Vice President and Division Manager; Bruce Wylam, Vice President; Brian Woods, Vice President; Bruce Carter, Contract Manager; and Pam McNealy, Director of Business Development. Ryan McCracken from Shoe Carnival, whose partnership with Assistance League makes Shoes: A Division of Operation School Bell possible, attended. In addition, Betsy Giordano, Beyond the Bell funder, enjoyed the evening as did Katie Ellis, Program Assistant from The Clowes Fund and Patrick J. Burley, President and CEO, Meridian Investment Advisors. The Metropolitan School District of Warren Township was represented by:Dr. Dena Cushenberry, Superintendent; Tim Hanson, Assistant to the Superintendent, PreK-6;Lee Ann Kwiatkowski, Chief of Academics; Lou Ann Schwenn, Assistant to the Superintendent,7-Adult; and Brian Simkins, Director of Human Resources.  

The 2014 Star Gala, “Wish Upon a Star”, was not only an entertaining evening for all attending, but also a shining opportunity to enable Assistance League of Indianapolis to continue funding its caring and commitment for its philanthropic programs.

To view photos taken by Brian Russelburg of Silvervisage Photography click here.
To view candid shots taken by the Assistance League Photography Committee, and Sophisticated Living Magazine, click here.