NORTH MANCHESTER, Ind. – Manchester Main Street (MMS) “Light Up the Town” Holiday Gala committee is pleased to announce that the 6th annual event was a great success. Hosted at Metzger Landscaping and Design’s new event space, the venue provided the perfect back drop to an evening filled with fellowship and community spirit.
“The Gala Committee dedicates a ton of volunteer hours sending out the invitations, setting up for the event, securing entertainment, collecting silent auction items, and attracting sponsors,” said Susan Manwaring, secretary for the board of directors and committee chair. “We had over 120 guests celebrate the start of the holiday season at the gala and we couldn’t be more pleased.”
The Holiday Gala is Manchester Main Street’s largest fundraiser, with all of the proceeds earmarked for investment back into the North Manchester Community. The organization seeks to stimulate revitalization of downtown and the North Manchester community through economic development, citizen participation and historic preservation.
“Sponsors and donors really ensure that the event leverages the most in local resources,” said Manwaring. “We are just so very grateful for their generosity.”
Brady Burgess, CEO of BIT Computers, surprised attendees with a “fill the dance floor” challenge, offering to donate $5 per person who hit the dance floor. “I was determined to get as many people as possible dancing,” said Matt Nettleton, vice president for the board of directors and a committee member. “It was a fun way to get people moving and grooving, while helping raise more money for Manchester Main Street.”
In addition to an excellent meal and cash bar provided by the Main View Inn, silent auction items aided in the fundraising efforts of the evening. “This event reflects the philanthropic nature of our neighbors and friends,” said Manwaring. “It is really heartwarming to experience.”
2017 sponsors included Batteries Plus Blubs, Metzger Landscaping & Design, Shepherds Family Auto Group, Warsaw Party Rental, Visit Wabash County, McKee Mortuary, Manchester University, Crossroads Bank, Nettleton Educational Services, Thorne Insurance, Vanderpool Law Firm, Wildman Business Group, Cottage Creations, Rhinestones & Roses, Beacon Credit Union, BIT Computers, Mary Chrastil, Bill & Mary Earle, Angilee Beery and Ed & Martha Miller. Silent Auction donors included Nordmann’s Nook, Allen Feeds, Marie Quick, Shepherd’s Chevrolet, Wildman’s Business Group, Cottage Creations, Harting Furniture Gallery, Frantz Lumber, Honeywell Center, Batteries Plus Bulbs, Pizza Hut, Black Squirrel Toy Company, Metzger Landscaping and Design, Friend of Main Street, Hoffman’s Nursery & Landscaping, Timbercrest Senior Living Community, Hanna Burnworth Artwork, Gorman & Bunch Orthodontics, Manchester Veterinary Clinic, Indianapolis Colts, The Olive Twist, Nettleton Educational Services, Master Hand BBQ, DeBrand Chocolates, Swihart Trucking Company LLC, Fort Wayne Komets, Wetzel Insurance, Designs at the Cabin, Stonehenge Golf Club, Midwest Eye Consultants, Terri Eckert School of Dance, Grand’s Ice Cream Shoppe, Eclectic Shoppe, Frontline Pest Management, Make It Your Own Art Studio, Manchester Community Schools, Rhinestones & Roses, Strauss-Peabody Aquatic Center, Manchester Family Chiropractic, Peabody Gift Shop, Michele Marie Photography and the Fruit Basket Inn. A heartfelt thanks to the North Manchester Key Club, JAG and Manchester High School volunteers for their invaluable event service, staffing and clean-up, to Christine Chamberlain for capturing all of the special moments and memories as the event photographer, and to musicians, Rebekah Pyle, Wendy Kleintank, Julie Sadler and Paula Merriman.