Thursday, December 8, 2011

Masquerade Ball-2011 New Year's Eve Party in Fort Wayne-December 31, 2011

Purchase tickets to the 7th Annual YLNI Masquerade Ball/New Year's Eve Party in downtown Fort Wayne!

Ticket Cost:
    • $40 (non-members)
    • $35 (paid YLNI members)
    • $500 for a suite reservations (includes 10 tickets)
Tickets must be purchased by December 30, 2011. (Tickets will NOT be sold at the door.)
When: New Year's Eve - Saturday, December 31, 2011, 9pm - 2am
Where: Parkview Field Suite Level Lounge, 1301 Ewing Street, Downtown Fort Wayne
(Please note this event is 21 and over only.)
What to expect at this New Year's Eve Party in Fort Wayne:
    • Fireworks
    • Music & Dancing
    • Cash Bar (credit cards accepted)
    • Masks required - Prize given to best mask!
    • Black tie optional

Complete your purchase online and your tickets will be available at will call the night of the event. For questions, email social@ylni.org.

Planning to stay downtown that night? Call the Downtown Courtyard by Marriott to get a room for the special price of $85. Simply call 1-866-704-6163 and tell them you're with the "Young Leaders Group" to take advantage of this special offer - but don't wait - the offer expires December 19th, 2011.

Monday, December 5, 2011

South Side Dance Program's Dance Concert/Fundraiser - December 14, 2011

Kelly Holt and Brittney Coughlin -Dance Artists-in-Residence, South Side High School are providing you with an opportunity to fulfill your "spirit of Christmas" list for this holiday season; volunteer, give back, get culture and entertainment all in one hour!

Everyone is invited to attend the South Side Dance Program's Dance Concert/Fundraiser.

When: Wednesday, December 14th from 7pm-8pm
Cost: $7 or $5 with a canned food item
Where: South Side High School Auditorium
3601 S Calhoun St., Fort Wayne, Indiana 46807
  
People can enter through the auditorium doors located in the back of the school, parking is across the street from the entrance, and can be reached from Clinton or Calhoun.

By attending this concert, you will:

1) Give back to the community and feed the hungry
2) Support our inner city youth and raise money so they can dance again next year
3) Get a night of non-holiday entertainment and culture that your whole family will love!

This program will knock your socks off! The goal is to fill South Side's 900 seat auditorium! That's a lot of canned food! Please invite all your friends to help reach this goal! See you at the show!

For more information, please read this article and take a look a the short video explaining why it is important to support this program.

Sunday, November 13, 2011

FORT WAYNE BALLET WELCOMES NATIONAL ARTISTS JUSTIN MCMILLAN AND KENDALL TEAGUE AND CONTINUES PARTNERSHIP WITH FORT WAYNE ANIMAL CARE & CONTROL FOR 2011 PERFORMANCES OF THE NUTCRACKER

Fort Wayne Ballet, northern Indiana’s oldest and premier academy and performance dance organization, opens the 2011 holiday season with its classical rendition of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker for nine (9) evening and matinee performances from December 2 through December 11, 2011. This year, the Fort Wayne Ballet partners once again with Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control and expands upon a longtime collaboration with the Fort Wayne Philharmonic, now featuring three weekend performances December 2 and 3 with the Philharmonic, Sameer Patel, Assistant Conductor, and the Fort Wayne Children’s Choir, Pamela K. Pierson, Director, in musical accompaniment. All performances are held at Arts United Center, 303 East Main Street in downtown Fort Wayne. Performance dates and times are:

DECEMBER 2 @ 8 PM * (with Fort Wayne Philharmonic and Fort Wayne Children’s Choir)
DECEMBER 3 @ 2:30 PM* (with Fort Wayne Philharmonic and Fort Wayne Children’s Choir)
DECEMBER 3 @ 8 PM * (with Fort Wayne Philharmonic and Fort Wayne Children’s Choir)
DECEMBER 4 @ 2:30 PM
DECEMBER 6 @ 7 PM
DECEMBER 9 @ 8 PM
DECEMBER 10 @ 2:30 PM
DECEMBER 10 @ 8 PM
DECEMBER 11 @ 2:30 PM

Group and individual performance ticket information is available by calling Fort Wayne Ballet at 260- 484-9646. Tickets will also be available at the Arts United Center box office beginning November 28. Sugar Plum Parties will immediately follow all afternoon performances, and an Opening Night Champagne Reception will follow the December 2 performance. 

Partnering for the first time last year with Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control, Fort Wayne Ballet seamlessly incorporated adoption-eligible dogs in the Act I Party Scene, providing space in the lobby for FWACC to allow visits with the canine stars during intermission. Families interested in adoption could begin the process right there, but people were also encouraged to visit the wide array of other adoptable pets at the shelter located on Hillegas Road. Allison Miller, Adoption Supervisor of FWACC, reported increased foot traffic in the wake of The Nutcracker, and, most happily, all 14 of the dogs featured during the 2010 run of The Nutcracker found new homes in time for the holidays.

This year Karen Gibbons-Brown, Executive/Artistic Director of Fort Wayne Ballet, began contacting other ballet companies throughout the country in an effort to expand the project nationally, a project she hopes to continue in the years to come. To date, six other companies have committed to adding “Muttcrackers” to their own productions. Beyond the opportunity to better serve and partner with the Fort Wayne community, such additions offer new ways to interpret and experience a classic piece.

“We are pleased and honored to be such an integral part of our community’s holiday tradition,” says Ms. Gibbons-Brown. “As the story stays the same, we have always added some things to keep our production fresh. This year’s production will not disappoint!”

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

New Photos - 2011 Walk a Mile in Her Shoes - Presented by the Fort Wayne Women's Bureau

Updated post 09/14/2011:
It was a beautiful sunny Saturday morning at Headwaters Park in Fort Wayne when a sea of mostly men took off walking in their red high heels in support of the Fort Wayne Women's bureau.  See more photos of this unique walk posted on our Facebook page by clicking here, while you are there click the "Like" button for SocialFortWayne.org too.

Original post 08/19/2011:
On September 10 at the 2011 Walk a Mile in Her Shoes® event, the Fort Wayne Women's Bureau is asking men and women, young and old, to publicly support victims and raise awareness of sexual assault by walking a one-mile course in bright red high heels!!

Have you signed up yet?

CLICK HERE knowing that THIS year, you can help break a record in fund raising to help stop sexual assault and rape in northeast Indiana.  If the 967 participants from last year join again this year - and bring a friend - just imagine how much free counseling and free prevention services the Women's Bureau could offer to the children, women and men who need it most! 

What: Fundraiser for bureau’s REACT program
When: 10am Sept. 10; registration starts 9am 
Where: Headwaters Park Pavilion
Registration: $35; team discounts available

Saturday, September 10, 2011

New Photos of Dining Inspiration - September 8 & 9, 2011 - Fort Wayne, IN

Updated Post 9/10/2011:
The featured speaker and celebrity judge, Cari Cucksey, star of HGTV"S "CASH & CARI", was impressed by what a great event she was asked to speak at in Fort Wayne, IN and could not believe what a wonderful cause, The Carriage House, she was helping to support. "I can't get over all the attention to detail and hard work everyone has put into this event", Cari said.

Three Design Sponsors were awarded for their "Dining Inspiration" designs on display at the event:

People’s Choice Award won by A Party Apart  (Chosen by ballot by all guests at 2 day event)
Designer’s Choice Award won by The Sprinkling Can   (Chosen by "Design Star" Tym De Santo)     
Cari’s Choice Award won by Char’s Creative Home Works  (Chosen by Cari Cucksey host of HGTV’ s Cash & Cari)

If you missed this event you will want to try hard to attend in 2012. Click here and go to our Facebook page to see more photos and please click the "Like" button too. 

Original Post 8/2/2011:
Dining Inspiration in Fort Wayne, IN is a project of PI Chapter, PSI IOTA XI, Inc. benefiting The Carriage House. Local designers are being brought together to delight and inspire you with fabulous spaces reflecting how and where we dine.  You have two opportunities to help the Carriage House:

CANDLELIGHT PREVIEW
Hors d' Oeuvres, Cash Bar, Music, and Silent Auction
When: Thursday, September 8th, 6:00-9:00pm
Cost: $50 per person
Where: Ceruti's, 6601 Innovation Blvd., Fort Wayne, IN
Reservations: Connie Slyby at (260) 486-1060 or cslyby@comcast.net



LUNCHEON
Featuring CARI CUCKSEY of HGTV's "Cash & Cari"
Luncheon, Cash Bar, Presentation, and Silent Auction
When: Friday, September 9th, 10:00am-2:00pm
Cost: $100 per person
Where: Ceruti's, 6601 Innovation Blvd., Fort Wayne, IN
Reservations: Connie Slyby at (260) 486-1060 or cslyby@comcast.net

Thursday, September 1, 2011

TEK VENTURE Hosts Maker Faire at Headwaters Park, Downtown Fort Wayne

What is Maker Faire™?


"The Maker movement has brought the pre-1970s world of basement workshops and amateur tinkering into the digital age." - The New York Times

Fort Wayne Regional Maker Faire™ is a family-friendly event to MAKE, create, learn, invent, CRAFT, recycle, think, play and be inspired by celebrating arts, crafts, engineering, food, music, science and technology.

October 1st & 2nd; 9 am - 6 pm under the pavilion at beautiful Headwaters Park in Downtown Fort Wayne, IN., TEK VENTURE presents Maker Faire.

The Call for Makers is now open.

Fort Wayne Regional Maker Faire™ celebrates things people create themselves — from James Bond-worthy electronic gizmos to Martha Stewart-quality "slow made" foods and homemade clothes. Inspiration is ubiquitous at the festival and there are surprises around every corner for people of all ages.

What you will see at Fort Wayne Regional Maker Faire™:

ROCKETS & ROBOTS • DIY SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY • ARTS & CRAFTS • BICYCLES • ELECTRONICS • ARTISAN FOODS • URBAN FARMING • SUSTAINABLE LIVING • WOODWORKING • CIRCUIT BOARDS • ALTERNATIVE ENERGY VEHICLES • FIRE ARTS • LIVE MUSIC • ART CARS • TESLA COILS • ARDUINO & KITS • AND SO MUCH MORE!

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

United Way of Allen County Leaders Challenge Community: Raise Giving to Indiana's State Average

United Way of Allen County leaders gathered in downtown Fort Wayne at an Early Childhood Alliance facility to challenge the community to increase giving to a level that would bring the organization’s fundraising in line with the state average. At a news conference and tour of several Agency Partners, volunteer Campaign Chair Steve Smith announced the goal of $5,339,823. This is approximately nine percent greater than what the community pledged during the 2010-11 campaign, which totaled $4.9 million.
“Allen County’s per capita giving is currently $13.79, but the average for all Indiana communities with United Ways is $15.03,” said Steve Smith, general manager and CEO of Allied Health Physicians and United Way’s campaign chair. “Residents in similar Indiana communities are inspired to support their United Ways at a higher level, and I know we can do at least the same here in Allen County.”

Donations to United Way of Allen County support more than 60 local social service programs and initiatives and 34 local partner agencies. Funded services fall into three categories: Basic Needs, Success in School and Family Stability. The services are provided for people in need and include everything from child care to health care, from counseling to scouting, and from literacy instruction to shelter for the homeless. The funds are allocated by volunteers who carefully examine each program and its results.

Smith and Stephenson were joined by dozens of United Way volunteers and representatives of partner agencies. The group visited the Early Childhood Alliance, Vincent Village and the 2-1-1 Call Center. Participants were transported in Community Transportation Network vehicles.

“The tour demonstrates how United Way works throughout the community, not in just one service area,” said Stephenson. “United Way supports programs that help people get through an immediate crisis, such as homelessness, and also funds programming, such as preparation for the GED, that assists people in becoming self-sufficient. In this way, United Way improves life for all local residents by building a stronger Allen County.”

“Over the past few years, we’ve been steadily increasing the number of our Ambassadors,” said Chris Rouse, resource development director for United Way. “Thanks to Steve Smith and our Campaign Cabinet, we’ve increased our numbers from about 30 to approximately 130 Ambassadors who visit local business leaders to encourage support for United Way of Allen County. I’m confident these motivated volunteers will help us spread the word about the importance of United Way.”

Anyone wanting to contribute to United Way’s Campaign can give online at www.UnitedWayAllenCounty.org or call 260.422.4776 and ask for the staff accountant.

Friday, August 26, 2011

Fort Wayne Museum of Art Trolley Tour - September 22, 2011

"ENJOY AN EVENING OF FINE ART, FOOD, AND FRIENDS" at the Fort Wayne Museum of Art Trolley Tour 2011!



Travel between area galleries aboard the trolleys while stopping to sample complimentary hors d'oeuvres from outstanding Fort Wayne restaurants & caterers and see and/or purchase great art.

What: Fort Wayne Museum of Art Trolley Tour 2011
When: Thursday, September 22, 2011,  5:30 - 10:00pm
Where: Start at any participating gallery (click to see list)
Cost: FWMoA Members $20, Non-Members $25
Call: For more information clupper@fwmoa.org, 260-422-6467, ext. 313

Purchase tickets at the Fort Wayne Museum of Art Store or the Orchard Gallery.

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Photos From Taste of the Arts Fort Wayne - August 27, 2011

Click here and check out SocialFortWayne.org's Facebook page for more great photos from the 2011 Taste of the Arts Fort Wayne festival in downtown Fort Wayne.  If you missed it this year, mark you calendar for the last Saturday in August, 8/25/2012.  You will have a great time!


If it is the last Saturday in August, it is time for the last big festival of the summer in downtown Fort Wayne - TASTE OF THE ARTS FORT WAYNE!

If you love the arts in Fort Wayne, if you love all kinds of great food, and if you love music, then this is the festival for you.  There is so much to do and see at this festival it is impossible to cover it all here.   Visit the Taste of the Arts Fort Wayne website to see a list of all the restaurants (approx. 30) and the entertainment schedule for all seven stages.  Use the entertainment schedule to plan your visit to the festival, there is so much to see you will want to be sure to see your favorites or something completely new.

When:  Saturday, August 27, 2011, Noon-7:00 PM
Where:  303 E. Main St., Downtown Fort Wayne
Cost: Free Admission, Food Tickets - $1 each

Be sure to stay for Dessert after the Taste of the Arts Fort Wayne.  Dessert will feature four popular area bands playing from 6:00-10:00 P.M. next to the Auer Center, 300 E. Main St.  Check the end of the Entertainment Schedule page to see the list of bands and when they play.

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

The CHASE-Junior Achievement Grand Prix - Fort Wayne, IN - Aug. 27, 2011

The CHASE-Junior Achievement Grand Prix is a go kart race that supports Junior Achievement of Northern Indiana.  Adults will race company sponsored, Indy-Style, go-karts in a full day of racing.

When: Saturday, August 27, 2011 - 10:00 am till 5:30 pm
Where: Baer Field Speedway, Fort Wayne, IN (Directions)
Cost: Free 

Participants will compete in races throughout the day including various Heat Races that lead up to the Peter’s Body Shop Main Event, where the winner will receive the Scott Brayton Memorial Trophy.

Other competitions during the day will include a Tire Change Competition and, for the first time, a Go-Kart Drag Race.  Throughout the day, teams can win awards for best looking go kart, best dressed pit crew, and best cold pit theme.  Awards are also given to the overall points winner, rookie of the year, and sportsman of the year.

Spectators are welcome to visit the teams in the cold pit area or watch the race unfold from the bleachers. There will also be activities for children including Sweetcakes Entertainment between 1pm and 5pm.

New entries and sponsors to the race are encouraged to get involved. Participants and sponsors receive a variety of advertisements during the event.

JA is rapidly growing and will reach nearly 100,000 students in 25 different counties this year. These students learn financial literacy, entrepreneurship and work readiness. The Grand Prix supports JA and their efforts to reach students of the Northern Indiana area.

For more information about the CHASE-Junior Achievement Grand Prix, please contact events manager Stephen Hilker at (260) 484-2543 or Stephen.hilker@ja.org 

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Fort Wayne Nonprofit Uses Their Creativity To Raise Money For Charities

During their 2011 season Shakespeare From The Heart raised just over $740 during their performances dedicated to SCAN.  

If you have never attended a performance of Shakespeare From The Heart you are missing a chance to see wonderful actors and actresses in classic plays that raise money for local charities.  Visit CreativeFortWayne.org to learn more about this local treasure.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Mad Anthonys Presents $115,000 Check to Children's Hope House

It was truly a great day for golf on June 13, 2011 at Sycamore Hills in Fort Wayne, Indiana.  The Annual Mad Anthonys Charity Golf Classic had a great line-up of golfers to entertain the crowd roaming the course to catch up with their favorites, including professional John Daly.  To see more photos from this year's Annual Mad Anthonys Charity Golf Classic benefiting Mad Anthonys Children's Hope House, click here.


Tuesday, July 19th would have been a very hot day to play golf, but not too hot to celebrate the success of the Annual Mad Anthonys Charity Golf Classic for 2011.  The Mad Anthonys' board and sponsors of the 2011 Classic presented representatives of the Children's Hope House with a check for $115,000.  The top three placing teams were presented with awards recognizing their achievement. The evening was sponsored by the law office of Barrett & McNagny LLP, located in downtown Fort Wayne.  To see more photos from the check presentation, click here.  To make a donation Children's Hope House or sponsor the 2012 Mad Anthonys Charity Golf Classic, click here.

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Celebrities Act Up! Fractured Fairytales CSI - Downtown Fort Wayne, Saturday, September 17, 2011 Arts United Center



What:  Celebrities Act Up! Fractured Fairytales CSI
When:  Saturday, September 17, 2011
Where:  Arts United Center, Downtown Fort Wayne
Cost:  $90 per ticket
For More Information Call: Civic Theatre 260-422-8641 x221


Don’t miss this annual fundraiser benefiting the Civic Theatre in Fort Wayne, Indiana, featuring local celebrities cast as characters in classic fairy tales.  Join the Crime Scene Investigator as he tracks down perpetrators of a crime spree in the land of fairy tales.  The evening includes a stage reading, live & silent auctions, fabulous food and lots of laughs!  This year’s event will include a free bar with soft drinks, beer, wine and a signature drink created especially for the evening.   Tickets are $90 each.

Saturday, June 11, 2011

See New Photos From Mad Anthonys Charity Classic For Children - Luncheon & Fashion Seminar

Post updated on June 11, 2011 - "Very entertaining, great fashion and beauty tips, touching message" were just some of the comments overheard after the 4th Annual Luncheon & Fashion Seminar to benefit Mad Anthonys Children's Hope House.  See what you missed in the photos below (plus see more photos and by clicking here).

 
Originally posted on May 22, 2011 - Be sure to attend the 4th Annual Luncheon & Fashion Seminar to benefit Mad Anthonys Children's Hope House on the campus of Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne.  Jill Swanson will be the Keynote Speaker.  She is an image consultant and author of "Simply Beautiful Inside and Out".


What: 4th Annual Luncheon & Fashion Seminar
Benefiting: Mad Anthonys Children's Hope House
Where:  Sycamore Hills Golf Club
When:  Friday, June 10, 2011 - 11:00am-1:30pm
Cost: $50
RSVP: June 3, 2011
Questions:  Call 260-486-6200

Saturday, June 4, 2011

See New Photos of the Charity Golf Outing in Fort Wayne to Benefit Camp Watcha Wanna-Do

Post Updated June 4, 2011:  It was a great full day of golf, fun, fellowship, great food and drink, all while raising money for a great cause, Camp Watcha Wanna-Do.  See photos from the 2011 event below and click here to see even more photos:



Original Post Dated April 11, 2011: The 2nd annual Charity Golf Open to benefit Camp Watcha Wanna-Do, camp for children with cancer or a brain tumor in Indiana, will be held on Friday, June 3rd, 2011 at Orchard Ridge Country Club, Fort Wayne.

Registration for this charity golf tournament is now open and tee times are first come, first serve basis with times beginning at 8am through 1:30pm. It is a four person shotgun scramble. Price includes food ( lunch by Casa Restaurant) beer, snacks, donuts, door prizes, goody bags, cart, green fees and range balls. Teams are $400 and $100 individual. All proceeds benefit Camp Watcha Wanna-Do.

You may register to play or sponsor the open by filling out  the attached forms and mailing it to Casa Corporate Office or by emailing it to jlfisherponko@yahoo.com. You may also call 1.260.609.3155 at any time.

Hope to see you there swinging! You may learn more about or contribute to Camp Watcha Wanna-Do at their web site.

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

TURNSTONE and IPFW Hosts WHEELCHAIR TENNIS OPEN - May 30-31, 2011

TURNSTONE Receives Grant For Wheelchair Tennis Program, also TURNSTONE and IPFW hosts WHEELCHAIR TENNIS OPEN - May 30-31, 2011.
It was a great, hot weekend for tennis in Fort Wayne, Indiana at Concordia Lutheran High School.  Take a look at the photos below to see some of the action.  It is truly inspirational to watch these athletes play tennis.  Click here to see more photos.