Gary-based YWCA of NWI will host its Circle of Friends Gala at the Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana Oct. 24.
“The Circle of Friends Gala is premiere occasion that the community always looks forward to,” said Caren Jones, YWCA of NWI executive director, in a press release. “It's a chance for us to celebrate the mission of the YWCA and raise funds that ensure programming and initiatives are in place for the communities we serve.”
Gala organizers will honor several individuals who have supported the YWCA of NWI. The awardees include:
- Chareice White, ECIER Foundation CEO
- Era Twyman, Gary Literacy Coalition former executive director
- Ida Gillis, Indiana University Northwest former director of affirmative action
- Curtis Whittaker, Whittaker & Company, PLLC CEO
Organizers will also present the inaugural Earline Rogers Trailblazer Award. Earline Rogers was a state senator and YWCA board member emerita. The award will be presented to Cynthia Powers, former YWCA board president.
The funds raised for the Circle of Friends Gala will support programming and improvements to the facility. The facility is over 25 years old.
“We can't say thank you enough to the supporters and sponsors who have already stepped up to make a difference,” Jones said. “A gift to the YWCA means sustaining essential programs in our community while giving residents of all ages a place to go, grow and thrive.”
The gala will feature dinner, dancing, raffles, live music and networking. The event will start at 6 p.m. and take place at Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana in Gary. Samantha Chatman of ABC 7 Chicago will serve as the celebrity host. Learn more here.
For more than a century, the YWCA of Northwest Indiana has worked to empower women, eliminate racism and promote equality for all. The YWCA of NWI is host to health, education, social and recreational programs.
