Friends Helping Friends Inc. gala set for May 20

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Last year, Friends Helping Friends, inc. raised enough money to allow TJ Durbin to get a service dog, Sunny. (Submitted photo)
Last year, Friends Helping Friends, inc. raised enough money to allow TJ Durbin to get a service dog, Sunny. (Submitted photo)

By Anna Skinner

Friends Helping Friends, Inc. will be holding its second fundraising gala 7 p.m. May 20 at the Ritz Charles, 12156 N Meridian St., Carmel.

“Every year when we have a gala, we partner with an organization or we help an individual,” said Blair Clark, creator of Friends Helping Friends, Inc. “Although we are reassigning some funds for Friends Helping Friends, we also want to be about our mission helping organization or individual, too. This time, we are partnering with the Indiana Children’s Wish Fund and sponsoring Avery Harris.”

Harris has cystic fibrosis and her wish is to go to Disney Land. Last year, Friends Helping Friends, Inc. donated approximately $8,000 for TJ Durbin, a severely autistic boy, to purchase a service dog. Whereas before, when Durbin would run out into the street and his parents would have to chase after him, the dog, Sunny, keeps Durbin tethered and also sleeps next to the boy.

“It has not only freed up TJ to be more responsive, but the parents have a little more flexibility,” Clark said. “They’re able to go through their business throughout the day. All the way around, it’s really helped.”

There will be food, a bar, dancing, French horn playing by Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard, and more.

“He’s always been very supportive,” Clark said of Brainard. “Miss America from 2009, Katie Stam, will also be there.”

The Fun Factor Band will provide entertainment throughout the evening.

Tickets cost $60 each, and tables cost $500. Those wanting to purchase a ticket can visit friendshelpingfriendsinc.org, or call 317-762-8388.

This story has been updated to reflect corrections.

 


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Friends Helping Friends Inc. gala set for May 20

0
Last year, Friends Helping Friends, inc. raised enough money to allow TJ Durbin to get a service dog, Sunny. (Submitted photo)
Last year, Friends Helping Friends, inc. raised enough money to allow TJ Durbin to get a service dog, Sunny. (Submitted photo)

By Anna Skinner

Friends Helping Friends, Inc. will be holding its second fundraising gala 7 p.m. May 20 at the Ritz Charles, 12156 N Meridian St., Carmel.

“Every year when we have a gala, we partner with an organization or we help an individual,” said Blair Clark, creator of Friends Helping Friends, Inc. “Although we are reassigning some funds for Friends Helping Friends, we also want to be about our mission helping organization or individual, too. This time, we are partnering with the Indiana Children’s Wish Fund and sponsoring Avery Harris.”

Harris has cystic fibrosis and her wish is to go to Disney Land. Last year, Friends Helping Friends, Inc. donated approximately $8,000 for TJ Durbin, a severely autistic boy, to purchase a service dog. Whereas before, when Durbin would run out into the street and his parents would have to chase after him, the dog, Sunny, keeps Durbin tethered and also sleeps next to the boy.

“It has not only freed up TJ to be more responsive, but the parents have a little more flexibility,” Clark said. “They’re able to go through their business throughout the day. All the way around, it’s really helped.”

There will be food, a bar, dancing, French horn playing by Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard, and more.

“He’s always been very supportive,” Clark said of Brainard. “Miss America from 2009, Katie Stam, will also be there.”

The Fun Factor Band will provide entertainment throughout the evening.

Tickets cost $60 each, and tables cost $500. Those wanting to purchase a ticket can visit friendshelpingfriendsinc.org, or call 317-762-8388.

This story has been updated to reflect corrections.


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