Assistance League® of Indianapolis Makes the Future Brighter

​On Thursday, December 7, 2017, Assistance League® of Indianapolis made the future brighter for the children and adults served by its philanthropic programs.
The hard work and planning of Creating a Brighter Tomorrow, the Holiday Luncheon and Style Show Committee, headed by chairmen Kathy Kinzel and Cynthia Potterack along with vice chairman Kathy Kerr Wylam, was evident as members and their guests enjoyed the beautiful seasonal décor, silent auction, shopping opportunities, and style shows.

In the photo above from left to right are event Co-chairmen Cynthia Potterack, Kathy Kinzel and Vice Chairman Kathy Kerr Wylam. Vice President of Resource Development Annette Suggs supported and worked with the committee during the planning of the event.

​Over 530 people attended this annual event which was held at the Ritz Charles in Carmel. It has become a traditional way for many in the Indianapolis community to kick off their holiday season. Public Relations Coordinator Peggy Powell and Social Media Coordinator Julie Yates promoted the luncheon; however, many participants love to return year after year.

The theme of the event, “Creating a Brighter Tomorrow” was set into place by the colorful graphics on the invitations designed by Kathy Detzler. The colorful motif continued with the dazzling décor by the decorating committee led by Lynne Hurlbut and Margie Graham. Even the name tags distributed by the Reservations Committee of Andrea Arbore and Kathy Lengerich sparkled with color.

​The event opened with the commencement of bidding on the plentiful items available in the silent auction. Coordinators of the Auction Committee, Leslie Morgan and Carol Valentine and their workers artfully arranged each item which led to some spirited competition. Susie Main and Judy Tomke along with their Auction Tally crew, skillfully determined the winners.

Attendees had the chance to shop for clothes, accessories and jewelry from The Secret Ingredient, Inc. an Indianapolis boutique. The Secret Ingredient donated ten percent of the sales made at the event back to Assistance League and also sponsored the style show which attendees enjoyed after lunch. Sandy Spear, as Style Show Coordinator, recruited Assistance League members to model the fashions.

​Matilda Jane children’s clothing was also available for purchase and all were charmed by the adorable Kid’s Style Show that was viewed during lunch. Sales representative Brooke Fitzsimmons donated ten percent of the days sales to Assistance League. Cheri Gerdt, coordinated this popular portion of the event.

​Jane Edington decorated a “Gift Card Tree” embellished with lovely ornaments and $500 worth of gift cards. The gift cards were donated by Chris and Emily Cunningham of Service Plus Heating, Cooling and Plumbing and tickets were sold to raffle it off.

​Adding to the fun of the day was the 50/50 Raffle manned by Susan Kwiatkowski.

​As lunch was beginning many longtime supporters of Assistance League of Indianapolis were introduced. In the photo, row one left to right are: Erin Trisler, The Clowes Fund; Judi Jones (Dennis), Shaw-Burkhardt-Brenner Foundation; Mary Katherine Schnitz, MCR Charitable Foundation, Inc.; Margaret Cole Russell, MCR Charitable Foundation, Inc.; Jennifer Pittman, OneAmerica; and Dr. David Hillman, Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust. In row two left to right are; Dorothea Genetos, Shaw-Burkhardt-Brenner Foundation; Kathy Jenkins (Thomas), Shaw-Burkhardt-Brenner Foundation; Susie Moore, GiveMoore Foundation; Lee Ann Hoy. Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust; Estherre Wohlenhause, The Clowes Fund; and Beverly Casselman, The Clowes Fund.

Lee Ann Hoy and Dr. David Hillman presented Assistance League President Rosemary Crowley and Chairman of Grants Nancy Moran with a $20,000 check from the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust.

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. Donations and grants benefit our philanthropic programs: Operation School Bell® which supplies new school clothing, hygiene supplies, books, and new athletic shoes; ALI Friends which brighten the lives of disabled or older adults at care centers; Assault Survivor Kits® which provides new clothing for victims of assault; and ALI Bears which gives teddy bears to grieving or ill children or adults.  

Click here to view photos of Creating a Brighter Tomorrow, the 2017 Holiday Luncheon and Style Show.
 
Click here to read an article in the Carmel Monthly Magazine
 
Click here for more information on the philanthropic programs of Assistance League of Indianapolis.
​