This past Saturday marked a significant milestone for Nest Community Shelter as we held our inaugural Emerald Gala at Blue Chip Casino. Words cannot express our overwhelming gratitude to everyone who made this extraordinary evening possible.
A Community United
The Emerald Gala united the heart and soul of LaPorte County. Community leaders, elected officials, and generous donors gathered on Saturday night, joined by a shared commitment to supporting our neighbors experiencing homelessness. Beautifully adorned in green and gold, the room became a space where compassion and action converged. Several tables featured nest centerpieces as a reminder of our mission and a nod to Nest’s logo.
As our Executive Director, Harrison Holtkamp, shared during the event, “This evening is more than just an event. It’s a gathering of hearts brought together by a shared commitment to compassion, dignity, and hope.” These words perfectly capture the spirit that filled the room that night as more than 240+ guests attended.
The Power of Generosity
The outpouring of support was nothing short of remarkable. From the silent auction items donated by over 40 local businesses and individuals to the energetic paddle raise led by auctioneer Jim Lestinsky, we witnessed firsthand how deeply our community cares.
Our title sponsor, NIPSCO, represented by Katie Eaton, shared that they contributed over $2.4 million to over 250 nonprofit organizations in 2024 as she spoke to the room. This level of commitment, along with the support from our Platinum Sponsors—Mayor Angie Nelson-Deuitch & The City of Michigan City and Mayor Tom Dermody & The City of La Porte—demonstrates the profound investment our community has made in our mission.
Our Journey Together
Board members Erica Boyd and Shannon Walker had the honor of sharing Nest’s journey from its humble beginnings in 2001—when “two compassionate leaders were deeply moved by the sight of homeless men suffering in the cold of winter,” to our current operations with a permanent year-round shelter in Michigan City and a winter emergency warming shelter in LaPorte.
This growth would not have been possible without each and every person who has supported us along the way.
The Impact We Make Together
Last year, our “little bitty shelter in Michigan City” provided over 22,000 meals. Each night, it costs $20.55 to feed and shelter a guest—a relatively small amount that makes an immeasurable difference in someone’s life.
But perhaps the most powerful moment of the evening came when we asked all volunteers to stand, revealing the tremendous community support behind our operations. As Harrison noted, “It takes about 45 to 50 volunteers every week just to make this happen. That’s outside of our staff.” This visual representation of community commitment moved many to tears.
Our Generous Sponsors
We extend our deepest gratitude to our sponsors whose financial support made this event possible:
Title Sponsor
- NIPSCO
Platinum Sponsors
- Mayor Angie Nelson-Deuitch & The City of Michigan City
- Mayor Tom Dermody & The City of La Porte
Gold Sponsors
- Phenomenal Photo Booth Company
- Kathleen Kelly
- Hitachi Global Air Power
- South Shore Public Relations
- Sullair
Silver Sponsor
- Duneland Landscape
Community Volunteer Sponsors
- MTM Real Estate
- Jeff Miles
- Joy Ride
- Smith Legal Group
- Eileen Kelly and Jason Smolke
Silent Auction Donors
We are incredibly grateful to the following businesses and individuals who generously donated items for our silent auction:
- Tri-Plex Plating
- The Ebbesen Family
- The Baldwin Family
- Michigan City Speical Events
- Kristy Hahn
- Drift on Pine
- Buffalo Wild Wings
- Harbor Country Adventures
- Pottawatomie Golf Course
- Sand Creek Golf Course
- The Blue Heron
- Gary SouthShore Railcats
- Washington Park Zoo
- NICTD
- The Thaddeus C. Gallery
- St. Julian Winery
- South Bend Cubs
- Purdue University
- Tony’s Table- La Porte
- Waxi Taxi
- Harrison Holtkamp
- Erica Boyd
- Centier
- Schara Marketing
- St Vincent De Paul Society- La Porte
- Chris Padgett
- Nancy Batten
- Julie Ranschaert
- Suzanne Sharp
- WEFM
- Janet Cobb
- The Mayor’s Office Of La Porte
- Harley-Davidson of Michigan City
- Bentwood Tavern
- South Shore Public Relations
- Happy Cars Detailing
- Lake Photography
- Kathleen Kelly
- JOYRide
- Third Coast spice Cafe
- The Mayor’s Office of Michigan City
- Third Coast Wash and Paint
- Chick-fil-A- Michigan City
Important Auction Information
Attention Auction Winners: If you have not yet paid for your winning auction item, please click here to complete your payment. Your prompt payment ensures we can quickly put these funds to work supporting our community members in need.
Haven’t won an auction item but still want to contribute? Donate here to help us continue providing shelter, meals, and hope to those experiencing homelessness in La Porte County.
Our Heartfelt Thanks
We want to express our deepest gratitude to:
- Our dedicated board members who work tirelessly behind the scenes
- The 45-50 weekly volunteers who are the backbone of our operations
- Every individual who attended the Gala and opened their hearts and wallets to support our cause
As Pastor Fine reminded us in his opening prayer, Nest provides three crucial elements: “a safe place, a warm meal, and reconnecting to community.” With your continued support, we will keep providing not just emergency shelter, but a pathway to dignity and stability for those who need it most.
The first annual Emerald Gala wasn’t just a successful fundraiser—it was a demonstration of what we can accomplish when we come together as a community. Thank you for ensuring that every person in LaPorte County has a safe place to call home, even if just for a night.
With heartfelt gratitude,
The Nest Community Shelter Team
