YWCA of NWI to host Circle of Friends Gala to raise funds for community service programs
ABC7's Samantha Chatman is serving as the celebrity host.
GARY, Ind. (WLS) -- On Thursday, Oct. 2, the YWCA of NWI will host its annual Circle of Friends Gala at the Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana at 5400 W. 29th Ave. in Gary.
The event will start promptly at 6 p.m. with Samantha Chatman of ABC7 Chicago once again serving as the celebrity host.
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"I can't believe that the time for the Circle of Friends Gala is just around the corner," said YWCA of NWI Executive Director Caren Jones. "Despite the challenges present by the present economy, we continue to push the mission of the YWCA and raise funds to ensure programming and initiatives are in place for our members and the communities we serve."
For more than a century, the YWCA of Northwest Indiana has been dedicated to empowering women, eliminating racism, and promoting equality for all. The YWCA of NWI provides a safe and clean environment in Gary's urban core and is host to an array of health, education, social, and recreation programs. The YWCA brings the community together with healthy, enriching activities for the mind, body, and spirit.
The funds raised for the Circle of Friends Gala will support programming and continued improvements to the facility, which is more than 25 years old. Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana is a dedicated, repeat sponsor of this highly-anticipated event which includes dinner, dancing, raffles, live music, networking and fun. Returning to supply the musical sounds of the evening is none other than DJ N 4 Red.
Keeping with Circle of Friends tradition, organizers will honor several individuals who have shown support to the YWCA of NWI and their community. The award recipients are as follows:
The YWCA of NWI is also thrilled to announce the distinguished awardees for the 2025 YWCA NWI Circle of Friends Gala:
- Judge Deidre Monroe - Circle of Vision Award
- Shelice Tolbert, Attorney - Women who Lead Award
- Denise Dillard - Safe Futures Award
- Susan Watkins -YWCA NWI Longevity Award
In addition, organizers will present the Earline Rogers Trailblazer Award in honor of the late former state senator and YWCA board member emerita, Earline Rogers. This prestigious award will be presented to Chelsea Whittington, CEO of C WHITT PR and long-time publicist for the YWCA of NWI.
Donations will help improve the lives of working parents and provide a safe haven for children. Funded programs include YWCA Learn to Swim, After School/Summer Camp Enrichment, Living Healthy Senior Program (Meals on Wheels), Water Aerobic Classes, Digital & Financial Literacy Classes and more.
Tickets to the Circle of Friends Gala are available for purchase as well a variety of sponsorship opportunities which can be found at https://2025ywcanwicof.swell.gives/.
