Delta Theta Tau proudly presents the 29^th Annual Gala to support Opportunity Enterprises (OE), April 9, 2022 at the Stardust Event Center at Blue Chip Casino, Hotel, and Spa in Michigan City, Indiana. This premier event is the largest fundraising event of the year for Opportunity Enterprises and features a full dinner, open bar, live and silent auction, entertainment by The Connexion Band, and program hosted by Rick Urschel.

“After a two-year hiatus of hosting our premier event in the way that our guests have come to expect and love, we are thrilled to announce that OE’s Gala will be held in-person once again,” states Kacie Ensign, chief development and communications officer for OE.

Serving as the organization’s largest fundraising event, the evening has become a favorite to as many as 550 guests who support the mission of maximizing self-sufficiency and enriching the quality of life for individuals with disabilities.

“The reason our event is so beloved and well-attended is because it speaks to the heart of our mission. We bring guests close to the families and clients who rely upon our services that help the very people we serve live, learn and grow,” Ensign states further.

OE is really growing and expanding services to support the organization’s housing, employment, education and respite programs and initiatives. This year, guests will learn more about the new Respite Center that OE will be building near the shores of the organization’s Lake Eliza property. 

“We are so excited for our new Lakeside Respite Center,” exclaims Jane Kobak, Donor Relations Manager for OE. “Our new Respite Center will expand its reach for so many families and caregivers who are looking for such services for their loved ones. Right now, our two respite homes have simply run out of room and we have a waiting list of 60 families that need such services. What better way to engage so many people with our building project than at our Gala,” Kobak states.

In the past, OE’s Gala has raised over $300,000+ to support programs that clients of OE deserve. This year, a portion of the proceeds raised during a paddle raise will support the new Lakeside Respite Center directly – and thanks to two anonymous donors who provided a $750,000 dollar-for-dollar match gift, anyone who donates during this time at the Gala will have their generosity doubled in support of the Respite Center.

The gala provides a unique opportunity for sponsors, donors, supporters, and friends of OE to gather to hear amazing stories of the individuals we serve. For many it is a time to connect with other community-minded individuals,” said Neil Samahon, President/CEO.

Tickets are now on sale to attend Together, We Imagine OE’s 29th Annual Gala by visiting oegala.com. Individual tickets are $150 each and include a $75 tax deductible contribution. A table of ten is $1,250. Also featured are exciting live and silent auction items that can be viewed by visiting the gala website. Finally, Board member Jim Alex and his family are donating their luxury condominium located in Panama City Beach, FL for a four night three day stay for the event’s raffle. Anyone, attending the event or not, can purchase tickets for this seaside escape with the drawing taking place the night of the Gala. Hopeful raffle purchasers need not be in attendance, and raffle tickets are $20 each or three for $50 (License #003326).

This year, M & S Collision is serving as the Gala’s Title Sponsor. Other top sponsors include: Urschel Giving; The Times Media Group, NIPSCO, Holladay Properties, McMillan Family Foundation, Precision Control Systems, Steel Cities Steels, Inc.; Chester Inc.; Anonymous Friends of OE; and Komyatte & Casbon, P.C. Additional sponsorships are available and include tickets and recognition based on level. For complete sponsorship information, or to purchase Gala reservations or raffle tickets - contact Emily Yiannias, events specialist by emailing emily.yiannias@oppent.org  or 219.464.9621, Extension 333.