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The Carver Community Center Gala, held October 10 at the Community First Ballroom, formerly the Hobson, was an evening filled with joy, elegance, and meaningful connections.

With music by DJ Pugh, delicious food, and heartfelt stories from former Carver kids, the event reminded guests that Carver is more than a community center. It is a place where lives are shaped, relationships are built, and foundations for lifelong success are established.

Taylor Mills, current Carver board member, spoke about the importance of recognizing Carver for its unique identity and the role it continues to play in the community. Carver’s legacy is one worth celebrating on its own merits, rooted in its history and its commitment to serving children and families.

Anne Thatcher, a former Indiana State Sycamore and Kokomo Lady Wildkat state champion, reflected on how Carver helped develop her both on and off the basketball court. While the center played a role in her growth as an accomplished basketball player, she emphasized that the lessons she learned there also helped lay the foundation for becoming a quality human being.

Stefani Quarles, a Microsoft executive, shared how Carver influenced her life and career. Recalling the many activities she participated in within Carver’s walls, she connected those early experiences to the person she has become today. Her story served as a powerful reminder that the impact of a childhood spent at Carver can extend far beyond its doors and continue throughout adulthood.

Executive Director Shari Spicer expressed pride in the evening and gratitude for the diversity in attendance, the recognition of former Carver kids and the contributions of the speakers. Looking ahead to the center’s 80th anniversary in 2027, she emphasized the importance of raising awareness and strengthening community relationships.

“I was very proud of the evening,” Spicer shared. “I’m just praying that we really put Carver on the map and that people will see the value in Carver as we do. The kids are worth it. The organization is worth it, and so we’re gonna work hard.”

Throughout the evening, one message remained clear, Carver’s greatest asset is not simply its building or programs, but the people whose lives have been touched by its mission. The stories shared demonstrated how opportunities provided in childhood can influence character, open doors and create a ripple effect that reaches families and the broader community.

As Carver Community Center looks ahead to celebrating its 80th anniversary, the gala offered an opportunity to reflect on its rich history while embracing the possibilities of its future. It was a memorable evening honoring the past, celebrating the present and reaffirming a commitment to the next generation of Carver kids.