PENDLETON — It might sound like a small difference — circular tables instead of rectangular ones — but it’s a significant factor for a festive gathering, said Niki Brown, director of Outfitters.
It’s one of many improvements that will be part of the organization’s 12th annual gala, a fundraiser that typically brings hundreds of people from the community together.
“The guests will be able to have a really good social setting,” Brown said, describing the event set for Saturday, Feb. 23, at Embassy Suites Noblesville.
[sc:text-divider text-divider-title=”Story continues below gallery” ]
Outfitters — a non-profit organization that provides high-quality, often brand-new children’s clothing to local families in need — is encouraging supporters to don some high-quality threads of their own, to celebrate the group’s mission in a glamor-themed night dubbed the “Red Carpet Gala.”
In addition to the round tables, all the seating will be on one level, unlike the terraced seating arrangement at the event’s former venue.
The celebration will run from 6 to 11 p.m., with social hour starting at 6 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m., program at 8 p.m., and live jazz music at 9 p.m.
People will enter on a red carpet, where Pendleton Heights WEEM radio will interview arriving guests about what they like about Outfitters and why they support it. Responses will be edited into a three-minute collage to be screened during dinner.
Also to go along with the star-studded theme, guests can receive the VIP treatment, complete with a glam bag, priority parking and seating, and a meet and greet with event host Steve Arterburn.
Fame has its price, of course: $65 per person, plus an optional $10 for VIPs.
There will be a raffle for a diamond necklace; $20 raffle tickets will include a Champagne glass that can be used to obtain bubbly beverages throughout the evening.
There also will be a silent auction.
The meal will be “exquisite,” Brown said, with sirloin steak and salmon (or vegetarian option), mashed potatoes, long green beans and a mixed greens salad with pomegranate.
Appetizers will include meatballs, spring rolls, skewered chicken and squash moose with pomegranate.
Cocktails will include a martini or lemon drop.
The program is titled “The Outfitters Experience,” and will be comprised of testimonials, from people helped by the organization and from people who volunteer there.
“So (people) understand how their contributions and support make a difference,” Brown said. “I think it’s important for them to see how lives are involved and affected.”
Outfitters distributed more than 5,800 pairs of pants/shorts, 8,300 shirts and 500 pairs of running shoes while serving more than 800 families last year.
There will be awards presented, including volunteer of the year.
Also during the evening, information also be shared about other area organizations and services.
Staci McCrackin from The Flying Toasters, a group that has performed at previous Outfitters events, will sing with the jazz band.
“It’s going to be a great night,” Brown said. “We worked really hard to put together something new.”
People who want to spend the night nearby, there will be special rates at the hotel.
For more details, visit outfittersclothes.org or call 765-778-907. Tickets and hotel reservations can be made online.