Annual Enchanted City Mayor’s Ball Benefits Lubeznik Center for the Arts and Friendship Botanic Gardens
WRITTEN BY:
Kellyn Vale
NWI Life
Saturday evening, Mayor Ron Meer of Michigan City hosted the 2019 Enchanted City Mayor’s Ball. Over 650 community members gathered at the Blue Chip Casino for this stellar biannual event, which always benefits local nonprofit organizations. This year, the proceeds went to the Lubeznik Center for the Arts and Friendship Botanic Gardens.
“There has been a lot of progress in Michigan City over the last several years that is the result of partnerships and hard work,” said Mayor Meer. “When I look at these two organizations, they are great partners in the city’s progression because of their interactions with our community, and particularly their engagement with the youth of our community, which is very important to me. We want to try and give our young people more and more opportunities whenever we can.”
Guests were treated to a variety of hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, musical entertainment by band Total Attitude, and beautiful décor featuring two incredible crystal clear ice sculptures.
Rebecca Arthur, Administrator at Silver Birch Assisted Living Center in Michigan City, attended the event with Kristin Denfeld and Tiffany Neal, Silver Birch Management Team Members.
“We just want to support Michigan City,” said Arthur. “Our building has been open for almost a year now, and we’re very fortunate to partner with all these wonderful businesses in the area.”
While some were new to the Mayor’s Ball, others were longtime supporters who attend the event every year.
“I always attend functions like these, and the Mayor’s Ball is one of the best in Northwest Indiana,” said Willy Milsap, former City Councilman and former La Porte County Commissioner. “It’s the best because of the people. Michigan City residents come out in full support and they have a good time; it’s nothing but friendship.”
Tom and Jackie Dermody of We Connect, an employee resource network in La Porte, saw the event as a great way to make a positive impact on their community.
“I’m running for Mayor of La Porte, so it’s great to get together with a neighboring community that I could have the opportunity to work with in the future,” said Tom. “I’m here to support any type of event where those dollars can go back and make a difference in Michigan City and La Porte.”
“I’m just really happy to be here to represent We Connect tonight,” added Jackie. “This is a great event to share our story and all the things we do to support manufacturers and employers in La Porte.”
This year, the Enchanted City Mayor’s Ball raised just over $25,000 for each of its beneficiaries, as well as an overwhelming amount of recognition from the community.
“We’re thrilled to be the recipients of the Mayor’s Ball, and we are just so incredibly grateful,” said Janet Bloch, Executive Director of Lubeznik Center for the Arts. “We’re looking towards expansion. As Michigan City grows, we want to grow with it!”