Costas' annual charity ball to be held downtown

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BY PHIL WIELAND
pwieland@nwitimes.com
219.548.4352 | Wednesday, July 02, 2008 | (8 comment(s))

VALPARAISO | Another big event has been added to the city's agenda of downtown attractions: the fourth annual Mayor's Charity Ball.

Previously held at the Porter County Expo Center, this year's ball will be held Sept. 18 from 7 to 11 p.m. on the site of the planned downtown park at Lafayette Street and Indiana Avenue. Instead of the elegant surroundings of the Expo Center, this year's ball will be held in the elegant surroundings of a tent.

"We're excited to announce these plans and look forward to welcoming everyone to our beautiful and vibrant downtown," Mayor Jon Costas said in a letter sent to local businesses asking them to help sponsor the event.

"We will be innovative, as we feature a spectacular evening of delectable foods, jazz and live auction opportunities, all to benefit local nonprofit organizations and our downtown park," he said.

Last year's charity event raised $35,000, which was evenly split among four area nonprofits. This year's ball will raise money for First Contact, the Porter County Family Counseling Center and the new park itself.

The park will be built on the site of the vacant Lafayette Center, which the city bought last month and plans to demolish later this month. The site will be temporarily seeded in hopes of holding activities there in the fall while the park itself is being designed by a consultant.

A consultant is expected to be chosen within 30 days, and the park will be built in 2009. It will be a multipurpose park capable of hosting a variety of events, possibly including outdoor movies in the summer. Other funding options are being explored, including the use of county economic development income tax revenue.

Sponsorship levels are available from $500 to $3,000, and the deadline for submitting them is Aug. 11. The Porter County Community Foundation will serve as the fund managers.

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Jerry wrote on Jul 2, 2008 11:35 PM:

" Wet Hen and When are right on target. Costas and his city hall clowns use homeowners & business owners as their major funding source for all of their pet projects. 2 years in a row downtown Valparaiso has been torn up. When will they ever get it right and become fiscally responsible? "

I love downtown Valpo wrote on Jul 2, 2008 6:52 PM:

" There is nothing better than walking around the square after a nice filling dinner in great weather! "

When wrote on Jul 2, 2008 2:11 PM:

" When Costas leaves office and all the unpaid bills are counted up, I don't think you all will be so cheerful. "

Penny wrote on Jul 2, 2008 11:39 AM:

" Please Wet Hen - you are the only brain dead one around here. Downtown Valpo is beautiful. The mayor and his staff have only improved upon it. "

Hula Girl wrote on Jul 2, 2008 10:38 AM:

" We dined outside Monday evening at Pikk's and had a great time (it was a little chilly). Wet Hen, sorry you feel so negative about Downtown Valpo, but please feel free to move if you don't like it here. It's a great town and for those who do not like it, leave and go else where. You are more than welcome to go move to Downtown Hammond, where it's larger and busier. Just don't let the door hit ya on the way out... "

Alan wrote on Jul 2, 2008 9:48 AM:

" I agree, Valpo's downtown is alot of fun. What part of it is dead? I was out on a Tuesday night and there were people dining outside all down Lincolnway... at 9pm... Get out of the hen house and support some downtown establishments and you'll find that, while small, Valpo's downtown can be alot of fun. "

To Wet Hen wrote on Jul 2, 2008 9:01 AM:

" Get a clue. Show me a downtown in NWI that has more going for it. Crown Point is the closest, but not quite there yet. If you don't like it, you're welcome to go elsewhere. In fact, do us the favor. "

Wet Hen wrote on Jul 2, 2008 5:28 AM:

" Another dead down town trying to be revitalized with tax payers money by what appears to be a brain dead mayor/council.
Oh, excuse me they aren't even capable of doing their job so they have to bring in a consultant.
BAH "

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