Kent Gish, left, was the 2023 Distinguished Alumni award winner; he’s pictured with Kim Taylor, president of the New Palestine Education Foundation.
Submitted photo
NEW PALESTINE — Lady Luck was in the house with winners all night at the Casino Royale Gala benefiting the New Palestine Education Foundation.
The foundation raised more than $20,000 at the April 14 event at Adaggio’s Banquet Hall and Conference Center. Money raised will help provide grants to numerous teachers and support the staff and students in Southern Hancock schools.
Organizers say it’s an honor to host such a fun and successful event, where attendance has continued to climb annually in the last few years, enabling the gala committee to dive deep into the school district and community for donations, sponsorships and support.
Since the theme was Casino royale, the event had a Vegas vibe with music, prizes and an elevated nightlife atmosphere. Mingling throughout the crowd was a “High Roller” with a four-person entourage that included two body guards.
One of the highlights of the night went to Kent Gish, class of 1981, who received the 2023 NPHS Distinguished Alumni Award. Gish was nominated by Caroline Clayton with the help of her peers; they shared Gish’s academic and professional accomplishments over the last 30 years as an English teacher and mentor at New Palestine High School. Gish’s wife, Angie, assisted them by filling community achievements and community involvement.
In previous years, distinguished alumni have included Max Hendryx, Darlene Seifert, Al Cooper, Judge Sue Shields and Tom Tucker.
The event also included hors d’oeuvres, appetizers and desserts catered by Lisa Wallen. There was a live auction by Kyle Addison with big-ticket trip packages. Gala attendees and even those who couldn’t make it in person were able to bid on a variety of silent auction items including themed baskets, designer purses and more from the support of local and regional businesses and families.
The evening ended with dancing and the chance to win at casino tables, which were provided by the Broad Ripple Sertoma Club; all proceeds from the gaming went back to other charities.
For more on the foundation, visit newpaledfoundation.com or email [email protected].
