IUDM Gala 2024

By: Ayaan Abbasi

On October 18th, IUDM held its 19th annual Gala at the Indiana Roof Ballroom!

Surrounded by the background of a starry night sky, event attendees gathered to celebrate IUDM as well as continue to fundraise for Riley Hospital for Children.

Planning for this year’s Gala has been underway since January of this year with committee members, chairs, Vice President of Communications, Meredith Waymire, and Director of Special Events, Emma Cannon, working extensively to make this the best Gala yet.

“It was incredibly fun to watch my committee members take on more responsibility and have a great time bonding with each other prepping for the event,” Emma said.

Setting up the venue was also one of Emma’s favorite parts of the event before attendees made their way inside, decorating the tables and making sure everything was set in place so the event could go as smoothly as possible.

The event featured a cocktail hour, a gourmet dinner, and stories from IUDM alumni and current members along with silent and live auctions of exciting items. Emma said that planning the gala allowed for “the ability to really make it our own. That’s what’s so special about IUDM leadership is it is never stagnant and new ideas and culture are introduced to it every year.” 

Those at the Gala also got to hear from this year’s Riley Champion, Grace LaSell, who shared her story alongside her sister, IUDM Executive Council member, Elise LaSell.  

Another key part of this year’s Gala was educating those in attendance about Ryan White and Ashley Louise Crouse’s legacy. Booths were spread about the venue showcasing their stories and how they have impacted the world around them to this day.

At the end of the night, it was revealed that the event raised over $24,000 above their goal to a total of $104,995.87, all to benefit IUDM and Riley Hospital for Children!