Westfield Yellow Tie Gala Returns
Writer / Renée Larr
Photography Provided
Yellow is often described as the color of happiness, optimism, energy, warmth and sunshine. It just happens to be the only color
that Westfield’s first mayor, Andy Cook, can see due to colorblindness. In 2010 Cook organized the first-ever Yellow Tie Gala benefiting the Westfield Youth Assistance Program (WYAP). Rather than calling it a black-tie gala, he chose the moniker as a nod to the only color he can see.
The signature event is back for its 12th year on October 8 at The Bridgewater Club, with a mission to raise $200,000 to support Indiana’s first-ever Youth Assistance Program.
“The money we raise at the event goes directly back to our program and is spent on the children of Westfield,” says Janelle Campbell, Yellow Tie Gala event chair. “The kids in our program might need a new pair of shoes, tutoring, mentoring or braces. Some might need help with funds for a summer camp so they can stay engaged during summer break. There is a whole slew of reasons kids come to us.”
There will be food, beverages, live music, games and merriment throughout the evening. Campbell describes the event as a mini Zoobilation. Local restaurants and bars, including Grindstone on the Monon, Quack Daddy Donuts, Urban Vines Charleston’s 
and more, will be stationed throughout, offering small bites of their food. Vegetarian and gluten-free options will be available. Guests will receive a signature cocktail on arrival. The FlannelTones provide the soundtrack for the evening with ’90s rock and grunge favorites.
The WYAP, a 501(c)(3) public charity founded in 2009, is an early-intervention advocate for youths aged 3 to 17 who face challenging life circumstances at home and in school.
“This event pours money back into our community and helps fund WYAP,” Campbell says. “The program has been proven to be very successful in helping to keep children out of the juvenile system. Several years ago they expanded the juvenile detention center in Hamilton County because so many children and youth were in the system. Once our program started and surrounding areas started their own programs, the number of children and youth dramatically declined.”
The event is formal, and cocktail attire is suggested with black tie optional. Guests are encouraged to accent with, or wear, the color yellow. Tickets are $175 per person. Each ticket includes one signature cocktail, food stations and live music. Additional purchases include a wine pull ($20 per bottle), Last Tie Standing game with the opportunity to win $1000 cash, live auction and
cash bar.
The Bridgewater Club is located at 3535 East 161st Street in Carmel. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit westfieldyellowtiegala.com.
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