Client Artist April with CEO Ellen DeMartinis showcasing her live painting.More than 500 guests attending the 26th Annual Opportunity Enterprises Gala at the Stardust Event Center turned belief into reality with their gifts, donations, tickets, and sponsorships totaling more than $290,000. Guests were treated to a gourmet dinner, silent and live auction, dancing and inspirational program featuring storytellers, dancers, and moments of humor hosted by Rick Urschel.
“The men and women with disabilities that we serve taught each person in the room tonight that you must believe before you can make something a reality. Their stories, the dance, the videos, all told an important story of how belief becomes reality,” said Ellen DeMartinis, OE CEO.
After the success of last year’s event, the gala returned to Blue Chip Casino and featured live painting by OE client, April E, which was then auctioned off in the Live Auction. During the program, a beautiful ballroom dance by clients Aaron and Michelle with Arthur Murray Studios instructors captured the essence of Believe perfectly. Adding to the beauty of the space were lush white tulip centerpieces provided by House of Fabian.
The paddle raise portion, an annual tradition, supporting the daily operations of Opportunity Enterprises took on a new spin this year with a “Last Man Standing” game whereby the very last donation given won a fabulous whiskey basket donated by Tilden Enterprises. The paddle raises went on an on conjuring a game between the final handful of donors. In the end, the whiskey basket game garnered more than $13,000 in donations.
When asked why they support OE, Scott and Lanie Steinwart had this to say, “While we are not directly served by Opportunity Enterprises, our co-workers, neighbors and friends are. A gift to OE is a gift to each of them and to the Northwest Indiana community.”
The 26th Annual OE Gala was made possible by the support of our generous sponsors lead by M&S Collision, In-Touch Pharmaceuticals, NIPSCO, BMO Harris, Chester Inc, Precision, Steel City Steels, White Lodging, the Burnell Family, and many other community minded businesses and individuals.
Photos courtesy Bella Photography.
