Partygoers to celebrations this winter season didn’t let a succession of storms stand between them and the events that raise important funds for our area’s causes. People who braved sudden snows and icy temperatures were rewarded for their generosity with red-hot fun. Check out some of the fun folks had at the winter soirées, and mark your calendars for some springtime fun.
Toast to the Arts
The 19th annual Toast to the Arts welcomed a record crowd to the University of Southern Indiana’s Carter Hall on Jan. 29. Guests sampled a selection of hors d’oeuvres while bidding on a huge selection of art and other silent auction offerings. Then, they enjoyed a dinner and live auction of special dinners, art, and other items. JP and Tammy Engelbrecht served as honorary chairs for the soirée, which raised funds to support scholarships and other student development needs as well as grants for the RopeWalk Writers Retreat and New Harmony Theatre.
A Chocolate Affair
The sweetest soirée of the year, the Lampion Center’s 13th annual A Chocolate Affair, broke an attendance record this year. More than 700 guests attended the Feb. 6 event. Inside Old National Bank’s Wayne Henning Atrium was a champagne bar, light jazz music, and tables of chocolate desserts from the area’s best caterers and restaurants. Funds raised supported the organization’s important work with area children and their families.
Men About Town Style Show
From fresh-faced 20-somethings to septuagenarians, a wide range of local gents strutted down the runway at Youth First’s always-popular Men About Town Style Show Feb. 12 at the Aztar Executive Conference Center. The models — including local firefighters, businesspeople, and medical professionals — raised funds for Youth First, which provides evidence-based programs that prevent substance abuse and promote healthy behaviors.
Really Big Show
Evansville ARC’s 8th annual Really Big Show was a really big success, providing the audience with great entertainment plus the chance to celebrate Valentine’s Day by supporting local children and adults with disabilities. The Feb. 13 event sold out The Centre and welcomed a huge crowd to the Curtain Call Reception following the show. Led by emcee Jeff Lyons, local celebrities wowed the audience with vignettes and mock commercials with a Carnival theme. The evening’s highlight was the performance by ARC clients, who sang with the enormously popular Gina Moore to close out the show, which raised more than $100,000.
To promote your event in Soirées, submit an application, available here for download or by request. For more information, contact Jennifer Rhoades, marketing manager, at (812) 426-2115.
