A Golden Opportunity Raises Over $340,000 for Opportunity Enterprises

OE-Golden-Opportunity-2017Tears coupled with laughs and tuxes and tickets to sporting and arts events set the stage for A Golden Opportunity, the 25th Annual Gala in honor of 50 years of service for Opportunity Enterprises, presented by Delta Theta Tau. Classic gold décor marked the 50 years and contemporary items including a gorgeous white gold and blue topaz necklace raffle prize, Chicago Cubs ring ceremony tickets, high end grill and accessories, and a variety of experiences completed the evening.

560 people attended the 25th Annual Gala held at the Stardust Events Center at Blue Chip Casino on Saturday night. “This is one of the premier nonprofit events in Northwest Indiana. We attend every year and wouldn’t miss sharing this fun event with our friends in support of all the great things OE does,” said Violet Sistovaris.

This year’s gala raised $340,810, 20% more than last year. Delta Theta Tau President Andrea Colson remarked, “In the 25 years that Delta Theta Tau has presented the OE gala, over $2 million has been raised to support individuals with disabilities.” OE Board President, Lori Moulton thanked the sponsors that made the event possible: M&S Collision, Porter Regional Hospital, INTouch Pharmaceuticals, BMO Harris Bank, Chester Inc, Lakeshore Bone and Joint, NIPSCO, Precision Control Systems, Steel City Steels Inc, The Burnell Family, The Howie Family, The Misch Family, The Times Media Company, White Lodging Services and many others including Alberts Jewelers who generously provided the raffle prize.

Opportunity Enterprises CEO Ellen DeMartinis spoke to the importance of the event, “One day of providing educational, employment, social, and enrichment opportunities to just one client requires $21 in donor dollars. OE serves nearly 1,000 individuals with disabilities each year. This event is key to connecting donors to our mission and showcasing just how important they are to accomplishing our mission.”

Several OE clients were featured in the stories and events of the night including live painting, video trailer, and 50th anniversary video storybook. Board member Mark Ruiz told a heartwarming story of how important OE is to his family and as a result, a Fund the Need paddle raise totaling $83,650 was realized.

To be added to the 2018 OE Gala guest list please contact Events Coordinator Amy Wulf at amy.wulf@oppent.org or 219-464-9621 ext 333.

With special thanks to Bella Photography, a photo slideshow of the event can be viewed at http://bit.ly/OEGala2017