Writer / Seth Johnson
One unforgettable evening has the power to change a child’s future.
On Saturday, Oct. 24, the Indiana Blind Children’s Foundation (IBCF) will host its 14th annual Through the Looking Glass Gala, presented by Eye Surgeons of Indiana, at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Noblesville Conference Center. Proceeds from the evening will support IBCF’s mission to empower youth who are blind or have low vision across Indiana.
After walking the red carpet, elegantly dressed guests will step into a festive fall-inspired celebration featuring live and silent auctions, complimentary select beer, wine and spirits, a three-course dinner, exclusive prize opportunities, wine and bourbon tastings, and an inspiring program. The evening concludes with an after-party lounge featuring live entertainment by Felix and Fingers Dueling Pianos alongside dessert tastings from several local restaurants.
Having served as the presenting sponsor of IBCF’s Through the Looking Glass Gala for the past six years, Eye Surgeons of Indiana continues to invest in IBCF because of the lasting impact the organization has on students and families.
CEO Tina Allen explains why she and her team continue their dedicated support of IBCF and its mission. “Eye Surgeons of Indiana continues to support IBCF because we value their mission of investing in children to improve their overall lives and help them thrive,” Allen says. “It goes beyond just donating and sponsoring, so all of our employees are really engaged.”
The 2026 Through the Looking Glass Gala Fund-A-Need will support family engagement programs at Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired and throughout Indiana. Families adjusting to a child’s vision loss or diagnosis often feel isolated and overwhelmed. But through family engagement programming, these families can ultimately realize they are not alone in their journeys, while also receiving the resources and encouragement they need to move forward. IBCF is thankful to the Terry Lee Foundation for being this year’s Education Match Sponsor and helping to ensure this family engagement programming becomes a reality.
“I always look forward to IBCF’s Gala — it’s one of my favorite functions,” says Terry Lee, who also sponsored last year’s event. “I do a lot of charity events, but this one always has a special feel to it.”
The Indiana Blind Children’s Foundation is also grateful for the continued commitment of Regions Bank, which has elevated its support of the Through the Looking Glass Gala this year as a Platinum Sponsor. Schiela Peña, Vice President – Disability Services and Outreach Manager at Regions Bank, says the organization’s mission and student-centered approach are what inspire her team’s continued partnership.
“You take each kiddo, find what makes them tick, discover their natural talents and abilities, and then wrap around them with skill-building resources, love and support. You’re helping these amazing children to realize their full potential,” Peña says.
The 2026 Through the Looking Glass Gala keynote speaker, Kristin Smedley, sponsored by VisionQuest Eyecare, is a nationally recognized parent advocate whose journey raising two sons who are blind fuels her work in disability awareness and education. As Co-Founder and CEO of the Curing Retinal Blindness Foundation, she has raised $4M+, helped advance the first FDA-approved gene therapy for inherited retinal disease, and championed H.R. 625, the first U.S. bill ever submitted in braille. Through bestselling books, a TEDx Talk, and partnerships with Fortune 500 companies, Kristin inspires audiences to see innovation, opportunity and meaningful change for people with disabilities.
“I heard this year’s gala keynote speaker speak previously, and I had tears in my eyes when she talked about her sons who have vision impairments,” says VisionQuest Eyecare vision therapist Katie Rogers. “I was just like, ‘Wow. That’s amazing.’”
Thanks to Bosma Enterprises, the 2026 TTLG Gala Student Engagement Area Sponsor, students from the Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired will again showcase their artistic talents by crafting handmade ceramic pumpkins in various sizes. Taking inspiration from famous sculptor Kusama’s giant pumpkin from the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden in Washington, D.C., these one-of-a-kind pieces will come together to form a charming pumpkin patch display for guests to explore and purchase, giving attendees a unique piece of student art to take home with them while also supporting IBCF.
The 2026 Through the Looking Glass Gala will also feature many live and silent auction packages for attendees to bid on, offering up another interactive way to support IBCF while taking something special home. In previous years, auction packages have included a signed Caitlin Clark jersey, a trip to Nashville for the Country Music Awards, and so much more.
“The Through the Looking Glass Gala is one of my wife’s and my favorite date nights of the year, and one of the highlights of the evening is always the live and silent auction,” says IBCF supporter David Ress. “Each year, the auction features thoughtfully curated baskets and experiences that appeal to just about every interest. Last year’s auction was especially memorable for me. After the silent auction had wrapped up and it appeared the live auction was coming to a close, a surprise item emerged from beneath the podium — a bottle of Pappy Van Winkle. As any bourbon enthusiast knows, you don’t come across many bottles of Pappy in the wild. What made it even more special was knowing that every dollar raised would directly support the ISBVI students.”
The Indiana Blind Children’s Foundation is also excited to have several new supporting sponsors involved with this year’s event, including Shake Up Cocktails, who will be donating some of their delicious canned cocktails for attendees to enjoy throughout the night. Additionally, other new TTLG Gala partners include 2026 Jewelry Sponsor Ankawa Fine Jewelry, as well as Naptown Floral, who will be crafting a unique floral photo backdrop wall thoughtfully designed to create a multisensory experience that can be appreciated through touch, sight and scent by guests of all abilities.
Tickets to the 2026 Through the Looking Glass Gala are on sale now for $225 a person or $2,250 for a table of 10.
Join nearly 400 community leaders, advocates, families and supporters for an unforgettable evening celebrating possibility while helping create brighter futures for children who are blind or have low vision throughout Indiana.
To purchase tickets or learn more, visit bit.ly/2026TTLG.
