The Northeast Indiana Burn Council held its first organizational fundraiser, the 2nd Chance Prom, on March 15, 2008, at the Grand Wayne Center.
“Thanks to sponsors and attendees, we netted after costs nearly $8,000,” explains Dr. Kevin Berning, local plastic surgeon and co-chair of the event. “These funds will form the basis of a new ‘Burn Survivor Assistance Fund’ at the Burn Council. These dedicated funds will be utilized for hotel stays, pre-paid gas cards, meal cards, burn garments and other needed supplies for children, adults and families affected by a burn incident in Northern Indiana, Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan.” Proceeds from the event helped fund our Burn Survivor Assistance programs. The more we raise, the more we can help children, adults and families dealing with a burn trauma.
Not only did the event raise funds for the Burn Council, but it also raised friends for the organization as well: “Over 220 people attended the event, most of whom had never supported the Burn Council before,” notes Dr. Berning. “We purposely chose an event that was not the typical golf outing or auction. We instead wanted a unique & fun event for the community to support burn survivors. If you missed your high school prom, wished you could go to the prom with your current partner, or simply wanted an enjoyable evening, this was your ‘2nd Chance’.”
Attendees enjoyed a typical prom-themed event with “adult” enhancements, including a cocktail reception, dinner, live music by popular regional band Nostalgia, dancing, carriage rides, prom pictures by Platinum Images, a door prize by Pacula Designs and a raffle provided by Fairfield Rare Coins & Jewelry. Attendees also had the option to purchase an overnight stay at the downtown Hilton with a breakfast buffet on Sunday.
The Burn Council wants to also thank the following sponsors: event sponsor, St. Joseph Hospital; table sponsors Dr. Kevin Berning & Family, Dr. Alan Stephens & Family, Summit Anesthesia, Rick Berning & Family, Sun King Ice, PBMS, Summit Plastic Surgery and Diskey Signs; Burn Table Sponsor Buckeye Pipeline; Media Sponsors 101.7 WLDE, Indiana NewsCenter and emcee Melissa Long; and additional sponsors Armstrong Flowers and Fred Myers Piano & Organ Co.
Next year’s event is scheduled for March 7, 2009.
Those interested in helping with next year's event, or those with ideas for next year's theme or theme song are encouraged to contact us with your ideas and interest.
Our largest needs include promoting the event to Northeast Indiana for more attendees and for more corporate support.
