USA Funds Presents “Dancing with the Starfish”
Indianapolis Dresses to the Nines at our Inaugural Gala

Photos by John Bragg Photography

March 7, 2010 – Thank you, friends of Starfish! USA Funds presented the inaugural gala benefiting Starfish Initiative on March 6, 2010 at the beautiful Indiana Roof Ballroom, and central Indiana showed up to join the party.

The event featured an interactive auction, delicious dinner, a dancing competition featuring media personalities Kelly Vaughn (B105.7FM), Scott Evans (First Face of MyINDY-TV), and Kimberly King (FOX 59), and after-dinner dancing featuring local live-band favorite Living Proof. Pat Roe, Assistant to the President of USA Funds, and Joyce Johnson, Executive Director of Starfish Initiative (and former dancer and choreographer, no less!) rounded out the exhibition dance card.

The evening included a special announcement that next year’s Honorary Chairs will be Bart and Amy Peterson.

“The attendance at this inaugural event exceeded our expectations," said Joyce. "As the date grew near, more and more businesses and individuals wanted to be involved. It was great to see all the support that Indianapolis has for its high school students. We would like to thank our title sponsor, USA Funds, for their support, as well as Eli Lilly and Company and Vincennes University – and a host of other individual and corporate supporters.”

"My hat goes off to those many volunteers who believe so much in the mission of Starfish that they gave countless hours of their time to make this event the success that it was," Joyce continued. "Gifts like those -- gifts of time and talent -- contribute so much to our success, and to our growth."

"How wonderful it is to see so many gather to support an important mission," said gala committee member Lisa Schlehuber. "From the numerous volunteers and the wonderful corporate sponsors to the photographer offering his talent as an in-kind donation, everyone involved believes in the potential of central Indiana youth.”

Jessica Fithen, Director of Mentor and Scholar Services, thought "the evening was wonderful.  And the dancers were a lot of fun to watch. Who knew that some of Indianapolis' news anchors could move so well when they are freed from behind their news desks?" she added with a smile.