28th Annual
Jennings County Gala
Join us for A Night in Italy at the 28th Annual Jennings County Gala on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 6:00 PM at The Barn at Willow Lake, 2060 W 200 N, North Vernon. Enjoy a warm community evening featuring a buffet dinner, wine pull, live and silent auctions, a DJ, and the crowning of the 2026 King & Queen. Tickets are $60 each or $450 per table—seating is limited.
More Information Coming Soon
Gala Event Results for 2025
27th Annual Our Hospice Jennings Gala raises over $65,000 for Compassionate Care in Jennings County!
The 27th Annual Our Hospice Jennings Gala, held on February 8, 2025, at The Barn at Willow Crossing, raised an incredible $65,000 to support hospice care for Jennings County residents. With a “Rodeo and Rhinestones” theme, over 200 guests gathered to celebrate and contribute to compassionate end-of-life care.
A standout moment was the Gala Queen competition, where seven Jennings County High School candidates raised $31,463. Addyson Wisner was crowned Gala Queen, raising an impressive $18,363, followed by runner-up Macy Bullard.
The evening’s live and silent auctions, led by auctioneer Tom Lawson, added excitement, with competitive bidding supporting patient care, grief programs, medical equipment, and hospice staff training.
“The generosity of our community ensures we can continue Making Every Moment Count,” said Steph Cain, President of Our Hospice.
A special thanks to Event Chair Tabitha Salzman, our gala committee, Corporate Partner Dunlap General & Mechanical Contractors, and Title Sponsors Arvin Sango, Inc., City of North Vernon, First Class Catering, and Willow Lake Event Center for making this event one of our most successful yet.
Thank you for your support! 💙
2025 Jennings County Gala Sponsors
Sponsor Levels
- 2 Tables of Eight
- Gala Sponsor Plaque
- Full page ad in the Gala program with full color business ad/logo
- Business name and logo listed on Our Hospice website
- Media recognition
- Sponsor name announced at the event, business name or logo displayed on banner at event, and business name listed on table
- Business name or logo listed on the Auction Website sponsor page
Provides 27 days of routine hospice care
- 1 Table of Eight
- Gala Sponsor Plaque
- Full page ad in the Gala program with full color business ad/logo
- Business name or logo listed on Our Hospice website
- Media recognition
- Sponsor name announced at event, business name or logo displayed on banner at event, and business name listed on table
- Business name or logo listed on the Auction Website sponsor page
Provides 13 days of routine hospice care
- Seating for Six
- Half page ad in the Gala program with full color business ad/logo
- Business name or logo listed on Our Hospice website
- Media recognition
- Sponsor name announced at event, business name or logo listed on banner at event, and business name listed on table
- Business name or logo listed on the Auction Website sponsor page
Provides 5 days of routine hospice care
- 1 Table of Eight
- Business name listed in the Gala program
- Business name or logo listed on Our Hospice website
- Media recognition
- Business name listed on table
- Business name or logo listed on the Auction Website sponsor page
Provides 2 days of routine hospice care
- Business name listed in the Gala program
- Business name or logo listed on Our Hospice website
- Business name listed on the Auction Website sponsor page
Provides 1 day of routine hospice care
2025 Jennings County Gala Queen Contestants
Click Image to view the bio of each queen below
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Gabriella Alvarado
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Emmerson Benson
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Macy Bullard
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Marlee Elston
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Graci Ross
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Kate Treadway
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Addyson Wisner
Gabriella Alvarado is a Senior at Jennings County High School where she participates in NWS, Key Club, the Student Council and Unified Track. She is the daughter of Phyllis Wilderman and Shawn Alvarado and has two siblings Jona` and Seth. Gabriella has been the recipient of the Robert F. Lucas Outstanding Lieutenant Governor’s Award and the Award of Excellence from the Congress of Future Medical Leaders. When asked why she wanted to participate in this contest Gabriella said “I would like to help raise money for the organization and also to help others become more educated on hospice.”
Emmerson Benson is a Senior at Jennings County High School where she participates as the Treasurer of the National Honors Society, Event Planner for Best Buddies, Key Club, Student Council, Student Athlete Leadership Team, Panthers Student Leaders and Unified Track. She is the daughter of Bryan and Chasidy Benson and has one sibling, Ayden. Emmerson has been elected to the 2024 Home Coming Court as well as the Top 10 Banquet in her 9th, 10th, and 11th grade years. When asked why she wanted to participate in this contest, Emmerson said “I want to participate to raise money for hospice.”
Macy Bullard is a Junior at Jennings County High School where she participates on the cheerleading team. She is the daughter of Joe and Nicole Bullard and has one sibling, Mack. Macy is an honors student and has been in the Top 10 Class Dinner in her 9th and 10th grade years. When asked why she wanted to participate in this contest, Macy said “I want to participate because I feel great empathy for those effected by a loved one in hospice care.”
Marlee Elston is a Junior at Jennings County High School. Marlee participates in Thunder Fastpitch Softball and Jennings County Varsity Softball. She is the daughter of Beau and Laramie Elston and has two siblings, Kalynn and Maddox. Marlee has been awarded two varsity letters for softball. When asked why she wanted to participate in this contest, Marlee said “I would like to participate because I would like to help raise awareness.”
Graci Ross is a Junior at Jennings County High School where she participates in Varsity Softball. She also participates in Thunder Fastpitch Softball and does pageants. Graci is the daughter of Matt & Rachel Ross and has one sibling, Gavin. When asked why she wanted to participate in this contest, Graci said, “I want to participate because I believe that giving back to your community is very important and I feel like this is a great opportunity to give back to those in need.”
Kate Treadway is a Junior at Jennings County High School where she participates as a Junior Officer on the Student Council and on the high school softball team. She also participates in travel softball. Kate has been awarded the National American Miss Personality for the State of Indiana, lettered in Varsity Softball and awarded as a member of the Junior Honors Society. Kate is the daughter of Lance and Erin Treadway and has two siblings, Hank and Charlie. When asked why she wanted to participate in this contest, Kate said, “I want to raise money for hospice for those that need these funds.”
Addyson Wisner is a Junior at Jennings County High School where she participates in JCHS Cheerleading and track. She also participates in Competition Cheerleading and volunteers at the animal shelter. Addyson has been awarded 4 Varsity Letters in Cheerleading, 1 letter in Junior Varsity Track, is the JCHS Cheer Capitan and plans to graduate with academic honors. She is the daughter of Trent and Tina Wisner and has one sibling, Ian. When asked why she wanted to participate in this contest, Addyson said, “I would like to participate to raise awareness and money for hospice, while being involved with my community, as well as to help people in need in their final days.”