They play a critical role in investigating child abuse and neglect, providing forensic interviews for children in a child-first facility. They also work to promote prevention, justice and healing for young victims of abuse and violence.
At Susie’s Place, you can imagine the number of staff, partnerships and volunteers it takes to make the much-needed service a reality. This fall, they’ll once again celebrate those heroes — law enforcement, prosecutors, volunteers and others — at their annual Superhero Celebration.
“This event started around 15 years ago when we were doing a masquerade gala with the Avon Kiwanis Club, but as it grew, it became our largest fundraiser of the year,” says Founder and Executive Director Emily Perry. “In the past five or six years, I think it’s become a signature event for Hendricks County.”
It may have started with a masquerade ball theme, and the superhero title might have you thinking about a favorite Halloween costume, but that’s not the type of event they’re putting on. Instead, it’s cocktail attire and celebrating the everyday people who have become superheroes to youth in the county.
“It takes an entire community that cares about kids to come together when we see these acts of kindness that end up as superhuman things,” Perry says. “We’re making such a difference in the lives of kids in big and small ways that eventually make a big impact.”
The Crane Bay’s Crystal Catering will provide a sit-down, served dinner to guests. There will be unique items and experiences offered at the live and silent auctions. One of the packages up for auction this year is a private dinner with former Colts Coach Tony Dungy at Cunningham Restaurant Group’s Vida.
In addition, the popular Dessert Dash will return.
“We are the originator of the Dessert Dash,” Perry says. “We have beautiful cakes, cupcakes, cookies and more donated from bakeries all around central Indiana. There are about 50 of them on display in the middle of the room, and our guests bid for the dessert they want. That alone raises between $25,000 and $35,000 each year. It’s a huge part of our event and a little healthy competition. It’s fun and interactive for everyone.”
Later that evening, guests can enjoy another popular offering — a bourbon and cigar tasting in the outdoor area.
“It has a little bit of a speakeasy vibe to it, and I think it’s a fun part that many look forward to throughout the evening,” Perry says.
Most of all, those at Susie’s Place want to recognize the familiar faces of those they work with all year long.
“These people have stepped up in meaningful ways through donations or volunteering or through the work that they do,” Perry says. “Our local law enforcement, for example, have truly dedicated their lives to protecting our children.”
While the Superhero Celebration is a platform to recognize these important people, it’s also a fundraiser for the nonprofit.
Very few individual tickets are available, as most tables are purchased through sponsorship packages.
“We only release around 30 individual tickets, but we know some people like to snag those up, so we make them available as the event date gets closer,” Perry says.
Proceeds from ticket sales, the Dessert Dash and the silent auction provide the nonprofit with general operating funds for all three advocacy centers each year.
The Avon location opened in 2009, Bloomington opened in 2011 and Terre Haute opened in 2017.
Of course, financial support is always needed, but Perry says there are other ways the community can help.
“One of the things we’ve really been trying to inspire in the community is to get educated,” she says. “We need people willing to come to community trainings and outreach so they can be those superheroes for kids. If a kid needs help, if they are scared or in danger, so few adults are prepared or equipped for that moment. We’d love to see our community members hosting these conversations at their church groups, moms’ clubs, civic clubs and others.”
Perry says the dangers of young people’s interactions online, as well as hands-on abuse and maltreatment, have created staggering statistics. Susie’s Place is seeing the need for educated volunteers grow.
They’re also looking for volunteers and groups to help clean, organize or restock at the facility. Groups can schedule a one-time event or develop an ongoing relationship with the staff to share their gifts and talents.
In 2024, Susie’s Place served 1,306 children across its three locations who were victims of crimes. They also worked with more than 100,000 children in their K-12 educational programs in schools across Hendricks County and beyond.
The Superhero Celebration at Crane Bay Event Center in Indianapolis is Oct. 4. Table sponsorships are available now, and individual tickets will be on sale soon. Visit susiesplace.org/events for more information.
