Sheridan Youth Assistance Program’s Denim & Lace fundraiser brings in $50K

Thanks to generous sponsors and community support, the seventh Denim and Lace was a success for the Sheridan Youth Assistance Program (SYAP), which raised $50,000.

Held Sept. 21, the Denim and Lace fundraiser featured dinner, a program update, raffle prizes, and silent auction items. A sold-out event of 260 guests at West Fork Whiskey in Westfield enjoyed an evening to learn more about SYAP and celebrate the work that has been done in the community over the past year. The emcee for the evening was lifelong Sheridan resident and Indiana State Trooper Sergeant John Perrine.

Photo provided by SYAP

Denim and Lace would not be possible without the support of the generous sponsors who share the mission of the Sheridan Youth Assistance Program. Thank you to title sponsor, Godby Home Furnishings. Other supporters include Alexander and Kitchel Families, Biddle Memorial Foundation, Beck’s Hybrids, Collaborative Change, Dr. Kent and Bobbi Erb, Dr. Trenton and Emily Schmale, Drayer Family Charitable Foundation, First Farmers Bank and Trust, Gaylor Electric, In Memory of Walter Cornell, Mark Heirbrandt, Norman and Miller Eyecare, Paul and Patty Nicholas, Gary Reynolds, Riverview Health, The Farmers Bank, Town of Sheridan, and United Animal Health.

The SYAP Board of Directors announced the creation of the Lisa Samuels Scholarship Fund, set to launch in the spring of 2025. This scholarship will support graduating students who have benefited from SYAP services, helping them pursue secondary education. The fund honors Lisa Samuels for her dedication as the Sheridan Early Intervention Advocate.

Photo provided by SYAP

SYAP was founded in 2015 to serve as an early intervention advocate for youth ages 3 to 17 in the Sheridan community who face challenging life circumstances. Since its inception, SYAP has served over 800 children in Sheridan. SYAP is one of six organizations under the umbrella of Hamilton County Youth Assistance Program, which was founded in 2009.

Each YAP has the same mission to serve its community around the county. The early intervention advocates work with local schools, police, fire, and other community leaders to accept referrals of youth and families in need. Advocates identify community resources available to these families such as food and clothing assistance, camp and recreational opportunities, mentoring, tutoring and counseling services.

Learn more at YouthAssistance.org.

Photo provided by SYAP