OWENSBORO, KENTUCKY – Wendell Foster, a local non-profit agency serving people with disabilities, raised a record-breaking total of over $169,000 at its annual Forever a Difference Maker Gala & Auction on Saturday, September 30. Proceeds from the event, presented by Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline, support the over 75,000 services provided by the non-profit, ranging from residential services, outpatient therapy services, and community-based programming. The event serves as Wendell Foster’s primary fundraiser each year.
New to this year’s gala and auction was the presentation of the Difference Maker of the Year Award. Wendell Foster CEO Doug Hoyt remarked at the event that the organization “felt called to honor an individual that has demonstrated friendship and true advocacy to Wendell Foster.” The inaugural award was presented to State Representative DJ Johnson for his efforts in sponsoring and passing Kentucky House Bill 334, which will allow for the opportunity to expand the number of people served in Wendell Foster’s Intermediate Care Facility (ICF). A prohibition at the state prevented the ICF from providing services to more than the 63 people currently living in the residential facility. Hoyt stated the number of people on the waiting list to receive services in the ICF is greater than the current number of people served, warranting an expansion in services. “DJ took the time to learn about the issue and then willingly stepped up and provided leadership to ensure opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities across the State,” said Hoyt.
The gala and auction included over 400 silent auction items donated by generous community members and businesses and 13 live auction packages that included premiere trips and experiences, hard-to-find bourbon, and more. This year’s event featured emcee Chad Benefield of 92.5 WBKR – The Country Station! and auctioneer Joseph Mills of Kurtz Auction and Reality, with music by DJ Yondell. In addition to the silent and live auction, the gala and auction featured local family Brian and Lauren Greenwell during the Special Appeal portion of the evening. The Greenwells shared their daughter Nora’s transformation through therapies at Wendell Foster after showing signs of a developmental delay. Nora began therapy at the age of 10 months and has experienced remarkable progress with the help of her therapists at Wendell Foster.
Kara Howard, Vice President of Development and Community Engagement at Wendell Foster, expressed her excitement at the success of the annual fundraiser. “Each year, I am amazed at the amount of support received at our annual event; this year was no different,” Howard said. “From sponsors, to item donors, and event attendees, it takes all of us to help continue our mission. For each and every person, we are so thankful.”