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. 6, at the Owensboro Convention Center. This inspiring night of generosity will include live and silent auctions, complimentary wine and beer, and a sit-down dinner. Eyewitness News Meteorologist Ron Rhodes and former Eyewitness News Anchor Jake Boswell will return as the evening’s emcees, along with auctioneer Joseph Mills of Kurtz Auction & Realty.
Amvets Post 75 is joining the event as this year’s Presenting Sponsor.
“Amvets Post 75 has been a longtime supporter of our Gala & Auction for many years. The work they do in our community with veterans and their families cannot be understated, and we are honored that they also have a passion for our mission of empowering people with disabilities. Wendell Foster is so grateful for their support as Presenting Sponsor of this event,” said Kara Howard, vice president of Development and Community Engagement at Wendell Foster.
The annual gala and auction is Wendell Foster’s primary fundraiser of the year. In 2024, the event raised a record-breaking amount of nearly $229,000 through generous bids, sponsorships, ticket purchases, and donations from gala attendees. Funds raised from the event impact the 69,000 services Wendell Foster provides to children and adults with disabilities each year. Guests will have the chance to bid on exciting live and silent auction items, such as rare bourbon, curated travel experiences, tickets to popular attractions, and more. The evening will also spotlight the Russelburg family of Owensboro as the gala’s Featured Family. Morgan and Tristan Russelburg have two sons who attend outpatient therapy services at Wendell Foster, and will share their experience with the nonprofit at the event.
Howard said the 2025 event will build on the momentum of last year’s success.
“We were thrilled that last year’s gala and auction was such a big success,” said Howard. “This event is a beloved tradition here at Wendell Foster, and we are looking forward to another night of fun and giving. We are also excited for our attendees to hear the impactful story of the Russelburg family, and how their lives have been shaped by the services Wendell Foster provides.”
Visit the gala website, https://one.bidpal.net/wfgala25, 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.
