Contribute to a Worthy Cause at Dancing With the Angels Fundraiser
Writer / Matt Keating
Photography Provided
Dancing With the Angels, a special fundraiser scheduled for February 11 at VFW Post 7119 in Fort Harrison, will benefit causes championed by the Anthony’s Angels organization.
Anthony’s Angels helps people and animals in need, and honors the late Anthony Dewayne Garcia. His mother, Helen Vaughn, says he would have appreciated Anthony’s Angels. “Commonly known as Anthony Dewayne, he was a victim of a fatal vehicle accident in August 2022, at just 37 years old,” Vaughn says. “He was a gentleman with a contagious smile and a deep compassion for the less fortunate.”
Vaughn notes that Garcia’s ambition was to improve the quality of life for the underprivileged.
“Anthony had a kind soul and a giving heart,” Vaughn says. “He was known for buying the homeless a meal, and offering them a hot shower and a home-cooked dinner. He could also be found volunteering at animal shelters and rescues, purchasing pet food and supplies, or bringing home stray animals. Anthony would often share words of encouragement and stories of his own struggles in hopes of helping others.”
In his memory, Anthony’s Angels was established by his mother in September of 2022. Garcia was her only child.
“The purpose of this organization is to provide random acts of kindness throughout central Indiana for those in need,” Vaughn says. “It is our goal to carry on Anthony’s legacy and continue with his hopes and ambitions.”
Anthony’s Angels has monthly missions to keep Garcia’s vision alive and make a difference.
“In September 2022 you would have found team members in downtown Indianapolis, dispersing freshly made sacked lunches to the homeless,” Vaughn says. “In just a few months we have provided an abundance of new undergarments, blankets, food and hygiene products for the homeless, and also for displaced veterans and their families, donated dog food, and partnered with the Mozel Sanders Foundation and Meals From The Heart in Indianapolis to assist with feeding the hungry on Thanksgiving.”
The organization has supported IndyHumane to help provide shelter, medical care, vaccinations and adoption services for animals.
“Amongst several other missions, we have also given a monetary donation to Kairos Prison Ministry to purchase store-bought cookies for the Pendleton Juvenile Correctional Facility, and donated 400 bottles of water to ASSIST Indiana,” Vaughn says. “The generosity from team Anthony has been phenomenal, but we now find the organization in a position to replenish our funds and supplies.”
“There will be a DJ spinning your favorite tunes, a photo booth, games and a chance to win some fantastic prizes,” Vaughn adds. “All proceeds will go towards Anthony’s Angels’ efforts to continue to provide for those in need. People may purchase tickets in advance, for general admission and/or items available for a chance to win, at myevent.com/anthonysangels. You do not have to be present to win, but we sure welcome your attendance.”
Tickets can also be purchased at the door on the evening of the event. The cost for admission is $7 per individual and $10 per couple/family, plus the purchase of tickets ($10 value) for a chance to win gifts.
“Where else can you go for an evening of fun at $20 or less and also support a good cause?” Vaughn says. Stephanie Sanders, chief operating officer for the Mozel Sanders Foundation, has helped guide Vaughn through the formation of the fundraiser, and says this is an “angelic” deal.
VFW Post 7119 is located at 6525 Lee Road in Indianapolis, and the Dancing With the Angels event will run from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on February 11. For more information on Anthony’s Angels, follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/anthonysangels, or visit anthonysangels.net.
