OWENSBORO, Ky. — Wendell Foster, a local 501(c)3 non-profit organization serving people with disabilities, will host its annual Forever a Difference Maker Gala and Auction at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21 at the Owensboro Convention Center. The Owensboro Convention Center is at 501 W. 2nd St. in Owensboro.
This inspiring night of generosity will include live and silent auctions, complimentary wine and beer, and a sit-down dinner. The event will also feature Eyewitness News Meteorologist Ron Rhodes and former Eyewitness News Anchor Jake Boswell as the evening’s emcees, along with auctioneer John Kurtz of Kurtz Auction & Realty.
Boardwalk Pipelines is joining the event as this year’s Presenting Sponsor.
“Wendell Foster’s work impacts countless lives by creating opportunities and providing support,” said Buzz Backstrom, Vice President of Marketing and Business Development at Boardwalk Pipelines. “We are inspired by the positive change they bring to our community and are proud to stand behind their mission. As this year’s presenting gala sponsor, Boardwalk Pipelines is honored to play a role in advancing such meaningful work.”
The annual gala and auction is Wendell Foster’s primary fundraiser of the year. In 2023, the event raised over $170,000 through generous bids, sponsorships, ticket purchases, and donations from gala attendees. Guests will have the chance to bid on exciting live and silent auction items, such as rare bourbon, curated travel experiences, sports memorabilia, and tickets to popular attractions.
Kara Howard, Vice President of Development and Community Engagement at Wendell Foster, said this year’s event will include a few fun additions.
“The Gala & Auction is Wendell Foster’s flagship event. For 20 years, our community has generously supported this event and allowed us to make the Gala bigger and better every year,” said Howard. “We are excited to return for an evening of giving, with some fun surprises in store for our attendees!”
Visit the gala website, one.bidpal.com/wfgala24, to purchase tickets, preview auction items, or make a donation. For additional information, please call 270-683-4517. On the night of the event, bring your smartphones to participate in bidding via the online platform OneCause.
For more information, contact Gabby Jackson, Gala Event Coordinator, at 270-683-4517 or by email at gabby.jackson@wendellfoster.org.