Wendell Foster raised a record $228,667 at its recent Forever a Difference Maker Gala & Auction. Proceeds support the many efforts provided by the nonprofit, ranging from residential and outpatient therapy services to community-based programming.
The annual event is in its 20th year and serves as Wendell Foster’s primary fundraiser each year through bids, sponsorships, ticket purchases, and donations from gala attendees.
The gala and auction included 400 silent auction items donated by community members and businesses and 14 live auction packages that included premiere trips and experiences, hard-to-find bourbon, and more.
Two local families, the Clarys and Grants, shared their personal experiences with Wendell Foster at the gala and auction.
Logan and Kari Clary’s daughter, Stella, began outpatient therapy with Wendell Foster after a diagnosis of CHARGE Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder.
“Stella — who is legally blind, deaf, and lacks the vestibular system that provides balance — has made great strides in her mobility since starting therapy,” the release says. “The family once feared that Stella would never walk, and shared with gala attendees that she is now walking, running, jumping, and swimming because of Wendell Foster.”
Nick Grant began therapy at Wendell Foster shortly after his birth in 2006. After an injury caused him to lose oxygen at birth, Grant had difficulties with speech, swallowing, and mobility.
“Nick is now a talkative, active teenager who graduated from therapy at Wendell Foster in 2024,” the release says. “Nick gave onstage remarks before the Special Appeal portion of the event, sharing ‘Wendell Foster has done wonders for me and my family, and I wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for them.'”
Kara Howard, Vice President of Development and Community Engagement at Wendell Foster, expressed her excitement at the success of the annual fundraiser.
“Every dollar raised at the Gala and Auction transforms lives and creates a brighter future for individuals with disabilities, and we are endlessly grateful to everyone who joined us in this event to support Wendell Foster,” she said.
The organization also presented its second annual Difference Maker of the Year Award to two individuals: Kentucky State Senator Gary Boswell and State Representative Suzanne Miles. According to a release, the legislators aided in securing a one-time appropriation of $450,000 from the Kentucky General Assembly through House Bill 1 to construct Wendell Foster’s new Aquatic Therapy Center.
The event was presented by Boardwalk Pipelines and featured Eyewitness News Meteorologist Ron Rhodes and former Eyewitness News Anchor Jake Boswell as the evening’s emcees, along with auctioneer John Kurtz of Kurtz Auction & Realty.
