Winter Gala Raises Over $73,000

The Delta Theta Tau Winter Gala to benefit Opportunity Enterprises held on February 6, 2010, raised over $73,000 for Opportunity Enterprises.Carol-Gary-and-Carrie Since the first Winter Gala held in 1993, the event has raised more than $800,000 to support the more than 1,000 adults and children with disabilities OE serves in Porter County and throughout Northwest Indiana.

“OE has been very lucky to enjoy a long-standing partnership with Delta Theta Tau,” says Allison Thomas, Opportunity Enterprises Events and Stewardship Manager. “The Deltas are an amazing group to work with, and we look forward to our continued friendship.”

Proceeds from the event will be matched dollar for dollar by the Dean and Barbara White Family Foundation, and will support growth and development of Opportunity Enterprises’ Lakeside property. Acquired in 2007, OE Lakeside, a 158-acre parcel of land and water on Lake Eliza, currently houses two day service programs which serve just over 100 adults with disabilities each day.

Planning has already begun for the 2011 event, and the planning committee, comprised of Delta representatives and OE staff, are in the process of developing a new look and format.

“After nearly 18 years of hosting successful Galas, Delta members are excited to continue our collaboration with OE, as this event evolves for 2011,” says Delta Theta Tau President Carol Ronneau.

“While we’re not sure exactly how next year’s event will look, we do know that it will continue to be one of Northwest Indiana’s premiere events,” shares Allison Thomas. “Our planning committee is considering some exciting changes, and we look forward to unveiling our new event in 2011.”

Since 1967, OE has been a non-profit organization dedicated to creating sustainable life choices and opportunities for individuals with unique challenges and abilities. For more information, visit www.oppent.org.

Photo Caption: Delta Theta Tau President Carol Ronneau (l) and Gala Co-Chair Carrie White (r) present Opportunity Enterprises President/CEO Gary Mitchell a check for the proceeds from the 2010 Winter Gala. Not pictured is Delta Theta Tau Co-Chair Kris Trapp.