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The focus of the Indianapolis Bar Foundation is to raise money for our community, and I’m very proud of our efforts each year. Many charitable organizations have ups and downs when it comes to fundraising, and I’ve seen a few of my own personal fundraising hits and misses over the years outside of the IBF. For your entertainment, here are just a few.
In 1987, Lee Hamilton hosted a fundraiser that I set up for Frank O’Bannon for Governor. The crowd was tremendous, and we raised a lot of money. A short time later, Evan Bayh asked Frank to join his ticket and their success made history.
In 1988, I ran for Congress in the 7th District, which at the time went from the west side of Indianapolis to south of Terre Haute and north of Lafayette. I held a fundraiser on the second floor of a popular restaurant in downtown Terre Haute. Five people were there, including a rookie representative in the House, John Gregg, who was playing pool with a buddy when I arrived. Several weeks later, John pulled me aside and explained why he had not donated. “I was there to play pool,” he explained sheepishly. I told him that was fine, I was just happy to have two more attendees.
Late in the above-mentioned campaign, Congressman Frank McCloskey hosted a fundraiser for me at the Larry Bird Hotel in Terre Haute. The crowd was tremendous, and Frank was very kind and helpful. I lost the election, but it was a wonderful experience.
In the mid-’90s, several lawyers in Indianapolis hosted a large fundraiser for Joe Hogsett. Again, Lee Hamilton was the guest of honor. It was so crowded we had to set up more tables and chairs. Joe lost a couple of elections in the ’90s, but I think he has rebounded pretty well.
Several local lawyers and I held a couple of very successful fundraisers for Terry Curry for prosecutor in the basement of Rock Bottom Restaurant. These were organized by Emily Gurwitz, a top fundraising professional.
In July 2007, I was a co-host for a fundraiser for then-Senator Barack Obama. The event was set up by the state chair of the Obama presidential campaign in Indiana, Kip Tew. At the time, Senator Obama was down 30 points to Hillary Clinton, but change was in the air. Later in the campaign, I hosted an event for the Obama campaign’s paid staff in Indiana, who were some of the finest young people I have ever met.
Fundraising events can be great fun and create wonderful memories. I have learned that to have a successful event, you must have talented and hard-working people involved. We have two fantastic events coming up yet this year, both of which are led by excellent volunteer leaders and very energetic committees.
On Sept. 13, the IBF Evening Under the Stars Gala & Auction will be held at a cool new venue, the SILO Auto Conservancy on East Washington Street. This year’s event chair, Biz Walker, and her committee have done a splendid job planning this event. It’ll be a very special evening, featuring silent auctions, live jazz, street-legal IndyCar rides, on-site tastings from local estate wineries and distilleries and so much more. It’ll be a delightful time and money raised will go directly to funding the good work of the Indianapolis Bar Foundation. We hope to see you! Check out the rest of the festivities and purchase tickets online at indybar.org/gala.
On Oct. 23, the IBF will sponsor its second annual Day of Giving, a virtual fundraising event to challenge donors to contribute to this worthy cause. The Day of Giving will be spearheaded by co-chairs of the IBF Visibility Committee, Raegan Gibson and Adam Christensen, who are organizing their committee to surround this event with challenges to our members and sponsors. Last year, more than $18,000 was raised during the first Day of Giving, and we are hoping to exceed that record this year. Keep an eye out on IndyBar communications for details about the 2019 Day of Giving.
Our fundraising events are integral to the IBF’s continued ability to make a difference, but any donation, large or small, helps us achieve our goal. You can make a donation online today at indybar.org/donate.•
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