Experience the glamour of old Hollywood while helping local youth — what more could one want from a Friday night?
The Ken Thorpe Foundation, a local nonprofit that gives scholarships and paid internships to disadvantaged Indianapolis students, is hosting its third annual “Adult Prom” fundraising gala on Nov. 20.
The prom is 8 p.m.–midnight at the J.W. Marriott in downtown Indianapolis and will feature hors d’oeuvres, live music from a DJ and from Alaina Renae, a cash bar and some special “Old Hollywood Glam” touches.
“There’ll be old movies playing while the event is going on. As folks come in, they’ll walk the red carpet, and they’ll each get a chance to take a picture in front of the backdrop,” said Ken Thorpe, the foundation’s founder. Thorpe said attendees will get a copy of the photo to take home as a keepsake.
A silent auction will also take place during the event. Thorpe said donated items for the auction include courtside Pacers tickets, lower-level Colts tickets, autographed items from Colts players, jewelry, restaurant gift certificates and more. A local accountant and a local lawyer have also donated their services.
Thorpe said he created the foundation to help young people who come from a disadvantaged background, similar to Thorpe’s own past.
“It’s something I’ve wanted to do for some time now, because I just felt like I’ve been given opportunities, so I wanted to give back and allow other young folks to have that experience as well,” he said.
The foundation gives a scholarship to a deserving student each year, and the student also gets a paid internship during the summer after their first year of college.
Thorpe said all proceeds from the Adult Prom and the silent auction will fund the scholarships, internships and the foundation’s summer camp.
“Every dollar goes to helping young people and to encourage them to complete their education, and hopefully go on to something along the lines of entrepreneurship,” he said.
Tickets for the gala are $75 per person, or $100 per person for a VIP ticket, and the event is black-tie optional.
Thorpe is hoping for a big turnout at the event, but he said people can still support the foundation even if they can’t attend the prom.
“We’re always looking for volunteers. This is the time of year as well that we look to add to our board,” he said.
Donations can also be made to the foundation online at kenthorpefoundation.org.
For more information, visit ktf15.eventbrite.com or kenthorpefoundation.org.
