The Gary-based YWCA of NWI will host the Circle of Friends Gala on Oct. 24 at the Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana.

“The Circle of Friends Gala is a premiere that the community always looks forward to,” said Caren Jones, YWCA of NWI director, in a news release. “It is an opportunity for us to celebrate the mission of the YWCA and raise funds that will ensure there is programming and initiatives for the communities we serve.”

Gala organizers will honor several individuals who have supported the YWCA of NWI. The winners include:

• Chareice White, CEO of the ECIER Foundation
• Era Twyman, former executive director of the Gary Literacy Coalition
• Ida Gillis, former director of affirmative action at Indiana University Northwest
• Curtis Whittaker, Whittaker & Company, CEO of PLLC

Organizers will also present the first Earline Rogers Trailblazer Award. Earline Rogers was a senator and board member emerita of the YWCA. The award will be presented to Cynthia Powers, former YWCA board president.

Funds raised for the Circle of Friends Gala will support programming and improvements to the facility. The complex is over 25 years old.

“We can’t thank enough the supporters and sponsors who have already stepped up to make a difference,” said Jones. “A gift to the YWCA means supporting vital programs in our community while giving residents of all ages a place to go, grow and thrive.”

The gala includes dinner, dancing, raffles, live music and networking. The event starts at 6:00 PM and takes place at Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana in Gary. ABC 7 Chicago’s Samantha Chatman will serve as celebrity host. Read more here.

For more than a century, the YWCA of Northwest Indiana has worked to empower women, eliminate racism and promote equality for all. The YWCA of NWI organizes health, educational, social and recreational programs.