Portrait of Wishes Gala: Bourbon, Bling & Bowties

Please join us Saturday, September 21, 2024 at the Marriott North, Indianapolis for a fantastic evening of bourbon tasting, a scrumptious meal and silent auction to raise funds that help us grant wishes for Hoosier children with life-threatening illness. The average cost of a wish is $12,000. Your generosity allows us to put smiles on children’s faces and hope in the hearts of their parents, family and friends. Together, we create memories for a lifetime.

EVENING’S EVENTS

5:00 PM:  VIP EARLY ACCESS TO BOURBON TRAIL
6:00 PM:  COCKTAILS, BOURBON TRAIL & SILENT AUCTION
7:00 PM:  DINNER SEATING BEGINS

Relax in our outdoor cigar bar sponsored by Blend Bar.
Sparkle and shine in your favorite cocktail and bowtie attire.

The Shining Star Award is Indiana Wish’s highest honor and is given to an individual who has gone above and beyond to support, promote, and volunteer for Indiana Wish while shining as a community leader.

Erik and Tonya Munevar have been actively involved in the Indianapolis community for several years including Indiana Wish for over two decades.  They have been instrumental in helping to identify donors, serving on the Portrait of Wishes Ball steering committee, and raising funds for the organization.  Most important to them have been their interactions with other Indiana Wish families at events as a survivor’s example of resilience and hope for other families, highlighting that there is life after dealing with threatening diseases.

Erik grew up in a military family stationed at several locations eventually settling in Indianapolis after his father retired from the Air Force.  Erik was diagnosed with Leukemia days before graduating high school.  While undergoing treatment he was introduced to Indiana Wish and became part of the Wish family.  Erik was inspired by the wish he received, the impact on his family, and the passion and generosity of the people who support the Indiana Wish organization.  After surviving many years of chemo and radiation therapy, Erik was excited to give back and help Indiana Wish. 

Erik has an Electrical Engineering degree from Purdue University.  Tonya grew up in Georgia and earned her Aerospace Engineering degree from Embry-Riddle University.  Tonya moved to Indianapolis after college to work at Rolls-Royce where she met Erik over twenty years ago.  Erik invited Tonya to a Portrait of Wishes Ball while dating, and she has been supporting the Indiana Wish mission ever since. 

After getting married, Erik and Tonya earned master’s degrees from Purdue University before having their son Xander.  They both continue their successful engineering careers at Rolls-Royce and their involvement in the community.  They also support other charities, and local animal rescues, and invest in education with their family scholarships at Purdue University at Indianapolis.  Erik and Tonya remain passionate advocates of Indiana Wish and hope their actions inspire others to support the mission as they do.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Join us in making magic happen! We’re seeking enthusiastic volunteers to help bring our annual gala to life. Whether you have a knack for event planning, a flair for hospitality, or simply a passion for supporting our cause, there’s a place for you on our team. As a volunteer, you’ll play a pivotal role in creating an unforgettable experience for our guests, all while contributing to a greater good. Join us in celebrating and making a difference—one helping hand at a time. Sign up today and be a part of something truly special!

We’ve negotiated a special group rate ($159 / night) for rooms at the Marriott Indianapolis North Hotel if you’d like to stay following the gala. Click here to take advantage of the group rate for INDIANA WISH FUND GALA.

Hurry! To take advantage of the group rate, book before August 30, 2024.