By Renee Larr
Midwest Academy in Carmel will host its eighth annual gala fundraiser event Sept. 30 at the Ritz Charles in Carmel.
“Midwest Academy is a school that serves children in grades 4 to 12 with learning style differences. We don’t like to use the word disabilities because every child can learn, they just learn a different way,” said Lauren Hoffman, Midwest Academy development manager. “A lot of our children have ADD, ADHD, high-functioning autism. A lot of our kids have slow processing. They have school anxiety. We have a lot of children who just need a smaller classroom setting to learn. We’re a very progressive school that has a lot of project-based learning.”
The gala is a semi-formal event that primarily raises funds for tuition assistance for families. The event begins at 6 p.m. Tickets are $125.
“It’s a sit-down dinner which includes a silent auction of over 400 items. We have about 10 great live auction items,” Hoffman said. “We have a mini golden doodle being donated. We have a puppy every single year. I know every family the puppy goes to and I keep tabs on all them.”
Each year either a senior student or former student is featured at the event.
“We are actually going to have an alumni speak this year. She graduated a couple of years ago. She was at the school for many years and she is doing well,” Hoffman said. “She is now at the University of Indianapolis doing a great job. She’s going to be part of our video and also speaking that evening, as well.”
The event has raised more than $1 million dollars for the school over the past seven years.
“We’ve always had over 400 people attend every year,” Hoffman said . “People always love coming to our event because it’s a big party.”
Sponsors are still needed. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit mymwa.org.
Midwest Academy Gala
When: 6 p.m. Sept. 30
Where: Ritz Charles, 12156 N. Meridian St., Carmel
Cost: $125
More info: mymwa.org
