Fundraiser nets $77,000 for charitable organization

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Addiction exists in Kokomo. For the past 25 years, Gilead House has served a largely unseen population: women recovering from addiction and emerging from incarceration. And for much of that time, the organization struggled.

Despite the selfless support from a precious few, the cost of helping these women restore their lives and families consistently left the Gilead House hoping and praying the community would continue to help as it fought to stay afloat.

Then came The Dinner. On April 11, Gilead House held a magnificent dinner fundraiser at The Experience, and the embrace it received was a prayer answered. A sold-out crowd came together to donate more than $77,000 for the organization.

“The dinner on Friday was extremely successful, thanks to our incredible sponsors and generous donors,” said Gilead House board member Jennifer Bingaman.

Indeed, the sponsors stepped up in an unprecedented manner. The family-style Italian dinner was provided by Bruno’s Pizza of Kokomo and Comfort Keepers. Attendees were treated to spaghetti with marinara and hearty meatballs as well as a chicken alfredo pasta dish.

Before the main event, a cocktail hour warmed up the crowd, thanks to Hobson Insurance Agency and Monroe Custom Homes, Inc. And appetizers served before the meal were presented courtesy of Community First Bank of Indiana.

At each table, a lemon-themed centerpiece graced the affair, thanks to First Farmers Bank and Trust, and each table also featured an exquisite bottle of wine, courtesy of O'Donnell Legal and Bolinger Law Firm.

The evening kicked into overdrive as the dinner plates were whisked away. A table filled with lemony desserts tempted guests, thanks to Blye's Bridal Loft, and musical guests The Time Travelers encouraged partiers to cut a rug with the support of Eads Roofing & Exteriors and the City of Kokomo.

All of the pomp and catering energized the crowd, but the reason for The Dinner was not lost in the décor and indulgence. Everyone was there to acknowledge and advance the Gilead House mission.

“Whether or not you want to address it or acknowledge it or not, addiction is here, and it affects us,” said Laura O’Donnell, the emcee for the evening and Gilead House board member. “And Gilead House is an integral part of our community.

“We've worked hard to keep it going over the years. It changes lives. Most of the things our participants have been through, everyday people can't imagine. It’s horrific. They come to us in their lowest point, wanting help, wanting to change, and we provide that.”

O’Donnell explained that Gilead House housed 68 individuals in 2024 at a cost of $177 a day per person. Only with community support does that expense get met. And the community stepped up at The Dinner.

Before the event began, nearly $20,000 had been raised through sponsorships, but when the live auction by Joe Martino and Martino Realty and Auctioneers took over the evening, the support truly began to shine.

Amazing auction packages, like a week on the beach in St. Petersburg, Fla., a hot air balloon excursion, and six tickets to Wicked with a limo ride and an elaborate dinner, were sold to eager bidders. The items were donated by Missy's Personal Training, City of Firsts Community FCU, Pilato, Strands Salon Kokomo, Solutions Salon and Spa, Cone Palace, Gold Fever Jewelry, Hoosier Steaks, and Bruno's Pizza Kokomo.

And as the auction closed, a generous donor offered to match up to $10,000 in cash donations. It took just moments to raise the funds to trigger the match, leaving Gilead House executive director Shari Spicer astounded and dancing with joy.

For more information about Gilead House, visit www.gileadhousekokomo.org. See additional photos from this event on the Kokomo Lantern’s Facebook page or group.

(Editor’s note: The author of this story also serves on the Gilead House board of directors.)