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http://thenewsdispatch.com/articles/2010/0...cf985800906.txt

2010 Mayor’s Gala Ball

Bob Wellinski/For The News-Dispatch La Porte Mayor Kathy Chroback (left) and Michigan City Mayor Chuck Oberlie share a laugh at the Mayor’s Ball on Saturday night. Oberlie’s girlfrend, Charmain Kalk, stands at his side.
Event benefited Salvation Army, Reins of Life and North Central Community Action Agencies
By Alicia Ebaugh
Staff Writer
Published: Sunday, January 31, 2010 4:17 AM CST
MICHIGAN CITY — The guest list of the 2010 Mayor’s Gala Ball held Saturday night read like a Who’s Who of Michigan City. All of them were there to help support three area charities.

It was a night of glitz and glamour; anything from a few dozen different versions of the little black dress to poufy-skirted ball gowns mixed with scads of black tuxedos. Politicians from every city and county office schmoozed with the heads of various city departments. Judges, prosecutors and attorneys chatted over drinks. Michigan City Area Schools administrators and teachers shared tables.

The ball, held in Blue Chip Casino’s Starlight Event Center, was eloquently catered with trays of mini quiche and succulent shrimp cocktail on ice. The array of miniature-sized desserts could make one’s head spin — there were cheesecakes, tiramisu and even coffee-flavored pudding parfaits decorated to look like real drinks.

Tickets to the $100 per couple event were sold out with more than 650 attendees, said host Ric Federighi, WIMS general manager.

It was a night to thank all those who dedicate their time on various city boards, and those who work tirelessly to make Michigan City a better place, said Mayor Chuck Oberlie.

“I looked forward to tonight as truly a celebration of this community,” Oberlie said to attendees during his thank-you speech. “I couldn’t do this without you.”

Most of all, Oberlie said, it was a night to give back to local charities. Since 2004, about $127,000 has been raised through the gala events, Federighi said.

Three charities were chosen to benefit from the proceeds of this year’s ball — The Salvation Army, North Central Community Action Agencies and Reins of Life. The Salvation Army helps feed hundreds of homeless and hungry residents through meals and a food pantry program. The NCCAA provides help to low-income residents through progams like utility and housing assistance and the Women, Infants and Children program. Reins of Life provides equestrian-assisted therapy to those with disabilities.