Westfield, IN (October 9, 2024) — The Advancing Westfield Foundation is pleased to announce that thanks to generous sponsors and community support, the inaugural Mayor's Grand Gala raised more than $600,000 at its event on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at Grand Park Events Center.

“The inaugural Grand Gala was a resounding success, and I couldn’t be more thrilled. It was a night that brought our community together, showcasing our spirit and passion for the nonprofit partners that serve Westfield so well,” stated Mayor Scott Willis.

Troy Pepper, voice of the Indiana Pacers, emceed the evening. More than 500 attendees gathered to celebrate, bid on more than 35 silent auction items and live auction items, and had the chance to win a two-year lease on a 2025 Cadillac CT5 courtesy of Chariot Automotive Group in Kokomo.

"I am thrilled with the success of this year's gala. The generosity displayed by our community will empower local nonprofits to further their missions and make a meaningful impact in our city,” stated Michelle Leonard McConnell, Advancing Westfield Foundation board president. “We look forward to seeing their programs grow as a direct result of the grants they received.”

The evening's beneficiaries were Heart and Soul Free Clinic, CICOA Aging and In-Home Solutions, and the Westfield Youth Assistance Program.

Heart and Soul Clinic provides essential free healthcare services to uninsured and underinsured individuals. Grant funds from the Advancing Westfield Foundation will assist in funding a part-time Nurse practitioner who can deliver primary care, GYN, and orthopedic service care. Additionally, the funds will support the clinic's new partnership with the State of Indiana's Breast and Cervical Cancer Program. This partnership enables the clinic to provide patients with vital, cost-free breast and cervical cancer care referrals.

CICOA will use the grant funds to support efforts and impact the Meals and More Nutrition Service program, which delivers meals to Westfield residents. More than 70 Westfield residents currently receive meals from CICOA, whether through home-delivered meals or by attending a neighborhood meal site. Older adults often struggle with chronic illness, disability, feeling vulnerable and isolated, or experiencing a crisis. Those facing food insecurity often face the harsh reality of making complex financial decisions, choosing between food and housing, utilities, transportation, or medical care (Feeding America). CICOA's efforts to meet basic needs make it possible for older adults and people of any age with disabilities to remain in their homes as long as possible.

The Westfield Youth Assistance Program (WYAP) was formed in 2009 as an early intervention advocate for youth ages 3-17 facing challenging life circumstances. WYAP takes a holistic approach to coordinating our community's vast array of talents, services, and resources to help youth and empower parents and caregivers. Grant funds will be used for educational tutoring resources, funding for the WYAP mentoring program, and mental health sessions for individuals and families.

The Mayor's Grand Gala would not be possible without the support of generous sponsors who are committed to the mission of the Advancing Westfield Foundation. Thank you to: