IndyBar: Evening Under the Stars Preparation is Underway

In just a few weeks, the Indianapolis Bar Foundation (IBF) will host its annual fundraiser, the Evening Under the Stars Dinner & Auction. The event features an elegant dinner, cocktails, live entertainment and silent and live auctions – all while attendees have the chance to mingle with Indy’s top legal professionals.
 

Clark

The organizing committee for Evening Under the Stars has been hard at work for the last six months to prepare for the night of October 10, and we checked in with committee co-chair Briana Clark of Bingham Greenebaum Doll LLP, who is chairing with Erin Durnell of Broyles Kight & Ricafort PC, to find out more about what attendees can expect for the evening.

Question: What’s different about Evening Under the Stars this year?

Clark: We are very excited to have two new elements to the event this year. The first is a pre-event VIP reception for our Platinum and Gold sponsors and our VIP donors who have been big supporters of Evening Under the Stars in the past.

The second is a Presenting Sponsor option for firms or companies that want to support the event but do not have a large number of individuals able to attend. This sponsorship is $1,750 and provides recognition on advertisements, recognition at the event as a Presenting Sponsor, recognition in the Indiana Lawyer and IndyBar e-Bulletin and two tickets to the event.

Question: What is the best part about this event? Why do people come back year after year?

Clark: In my opinion, the best part of the event is seeing how our tight-knit legal community comes together to support the IBF and how not only generous, but also creative, our lawyers can be. There are always really crazy baskets that are quite a crowd draw. Some firms like Rubin & Levin have intra-firm contests to see who can make the best baskets. It is great to see everyone have such a good time for a great cause.

Question: What are some of the exciting items people will be able to bid on?

Clark: We’re looking forward to seeing this year’s donations coming over the next few weeks. We anticipate some great sports-themed baskets with Colts/Pacers tickets and we always look forward to Rick Cavanaugh’s high-end whiskey basket. We also have some great kids’ items, like a racecar that can be driven around with a horn and lights that work! In the live auction, we have Chris Hickey’s always popular Big Girls Party, a Maui condo courtesy of Karl Mulvaney, a fun event at Flat 12 Bierwerks with James Hinchcliffe that involves driving simulators and lots of cool swag, and a number of other great items.

Question: How has preparation been going?

Clark: We have a great committee this year that has been on the ground running since February. We had a bit of an easier start this year because Crane Bay was such a fantastic venue for 2013 that we locked them in right away for 2014. We’ve been very busy securing firm sponsorships, soliciting basket donations and working on the new VIP reception.

Question: What should people expect out of their experience that evening?

Clark: A fun cocktail reception, fantastic auction items (a one-stop place to get your holiday shopping done and book next year’s vacation!), a delicious dinner and a fantastic opportunity to mingle with your co-workers, friends and judges from the Indy legal community.

Question: Why should people want to support IBF?

Clark: The IBF is the charitable arm of the IndyBar. Its programs provide those experiencing financial difficulty in our community with free legal assistance to keep families together, save homes, protect against violence, safeguard their property and so much more. Proceeds from the silent and live auction are directed to our general fund, and we’re happy to report that our annual operating expenses are less than 25 percent of our income. In fact, we granted nearly $150,000 in monetary support for programs in need in 2013 and nearly 3,000 hours of volunteer time.

Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to give back and get to know other legal professionals in Indianapolis. Evening Under the Stars will be held Friday, October 10 at Crane Bay Event Center. Tickets can be purchased online at indybar.org/events. For more information and details for sponsorship opportunities, contact Chris Walsh at [email protected].•