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| Roger Kappesser (center), one of Special olympics Kentucky's first athletes, teams up with two of the program's newer ones — Justin Harmon (left) and Kyle Massey — to greet guests at the Inspire Greatness Gala. |
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The Inspire Greatness Gala kicked off its second decade of raising funds and awareness for Special Olympics Kentucky by finding a swanky new home in the heart of Louisville's Downtown at the Seelbach Hotel. The new setting turned out to be perfect for an incredible evening of fun, education and ... more fun. This year also saw the Gala raise more than $65,000, the most in several years.
The evening began with a cocktail reception and the opening of the Silent Auction tables. As always the silent auction included great sports memorabilia, artwork, vacation packages and one-of-a-kind offerings from throughout Louisville.
A sit-down dinner followed the cocktail reception and led into the evening's program. During the program, Special Olympics Kentucky President and CEO Dave Kerchner spoke about the program's 40th Anniversary about how the program has changed thousands of lives in its history. He also introduced Roger Kappesser, one of the organization's original athletes. Kerchner's speech led into a video that recounted the experiences of Roger's family as well as the family of Brad Harkleroad, another athlete who joined near the program's inception, and the families of Justin Harmon and Kyle Massey, both new to the program. The program closed with some comments from Brad Harkleroad's mom, Pat, talking more about her experience with Special Olympics and how much it meant to Brad and to their family.
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A member of the Louisville Flyers cheerleading squad sings with Thumper and the Plaid Rabbits at the 2009 Inspire Greatness Gala. |
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The live auction followed the program, with bidders winning some truly unique opportunities, like a catered river cruise aboard a yacht, a catered dinner for 25 from Texas Roadhouse and the chance to ride the Wells Fargo Stagecoach in the Pegasus Parade during Derby Week.
The night ended with dancing to great live music from Blue Coyote.
See more photos from the Inspire Greatness Gala
Our thanks to our tremendous Inspire Greatness Gala Sponsors — Presenting Sponsor Wells Fargo; Gold Sponsors Heaven Hill Distilleries, Texas Roadhouse and Mountjoy Chilton Medley; Silver Sponsors Crawford Williams Creative, Flynn Brothers/Jeff Duncan, John T. Luken and Associates and Certicell; and Bronze Sponsors Advance Ready Mix, Sellersburg Stone COmpany, Karen Hill, Anthony Michael Sullivan, Dr. Stephanie Barnes, Todd Loehnert, Michelle Husted, Doyenne Constructors, Schaefer Construction, Mac Construction, John Meehan, Wistoberfest, Inc. and Pitt Sports.
For more information about how you or your company can be a part of the Inspire Greatness Gala, contact Candace Thompson at 800-633-7403 or 502-326-5002 or via e-mail at cthompson@soky.org.
The Inspire Greatness Gala is chaired by Todd Loehnert of Wells Fargo of Kentucky and is organized by a committee of area professionals who volunteer their time to plan this special event. The event is presented by Wells Fargo. The Inspire Greatness Gala has raised nearly $700,000 for Special Olympics during its history.
