Prevail, Inc. announces that its 40th Anniversary Celebration, presented by Hare Chevrolet, raised more than $353,000 in support of survivors of crime and abuse, a record-breaking total for the organization’s signature fundraising event.
Held on Saturday, Aug. 1 at the Ritz Charles in Carmel, the evening brought together hundreds of community members, partners, sponsors, volunteers, and supporters to celebrate four decades of hope, healing, and empowerment.
“This incredible evening was a testament to what is possible when a community chooses to stand beside survivors,” Prevail Executive Director Tami Wanninger said. “As we celebrate 40 years of serving survivors, we are incredibly grateful for the unwavering generosity and compassion of our community. We honor the founders who recognized this need four decades ago and the countless donors, volunteers, partners, and advocates who have carried that vision forward. This remarkable support not only celebrates our past but also ensures that survivors will continue to find hope, healing, and safety through Prevail for generations to come.”
Throughout the evening, attendees heard powerful stories from four courageous survivors who shared their personal journeys of resilience and healing. Their voices served as a moving reminder of the life-changing impact made possible through community support and the essential services Prevail provides every day.
As part of the organization’s 40th Anniversary Celebration, Prevail also honored its past by recognizing 40 people and organizations through its 40 for 40 Awards. Representing former staff, board members, volunteers, donors, community partners, and steadfast supporters, each recipient has played a unique role in helping Prevail grow, strengthen, and expand its impact over the past 40 years.
Prevail’s 40 for 40 Award Honorees
- D. Lee Buckingham II I 1995 I Community Partner
- Nancy Chance I 1986 I Community Partner
- Michelle Corrao I 2000 I Former Staff Member
- Dave & Jackie Cox I 1986 I Supporters
- Greg Duncan I 2005 I Former Board Member
- Ken & Brenda Erickson I 2018 I Board Member & Supporter
- Wayne & Debbie Johnson I 2018 I Board Member & Supporter
- Brandon Bennett I 1998 I Volunteer
- Shannon Cannatella I 2014 I Volunteer & Supporter
- John Ditslear, former Noblesville Mayor (2004-2020), and Rev. Dr. Teri Ditslear I 2003 I Supporter & Volunteer
- Detective Michael Haskett, Noblesville Police Dept. I 2002 I Community Partner
- Paul Lips I 2007 I Former Board Member
- Linda Matthews I 2007 I Volunteer
- Brooke Lawson, Director of Mental Health, Carmel Clay Schools I 2018 I Community Partner
- Esther Lakes I 2011 I Board Member & Supporter
- Senator Luke and Sally Kenley I 1986 I Supporters
- Sharon Kleinman I 2009 I Former Staff Member
- George & Linda Kristo I 1998 I Supporters
- Bryan & Cathie Mills I 2007 I Volunteer & Supporter
- Eddie Mode & Family I 2004 I Supporter
- Councilman Steve Nation I 1986 I Founder
- Frank & Charlotte Pichler I 2014 I Supporters
- Todd Thurston I 2012 I Volunteer & Supporter
- Brian Shera I 2013 I Volunteer
- Biddle Memorial Foundation I 2013 I Volunteer & Supporter
- Crosser Family Foundation I 2004 I Supporter
- Hamilton County Community Foundation I 1995 I Community Partner & Supporter
- Hare Chevrolet I 2009 I Supporter
- Hamilton County Commissioners & Council I 1986 I Community Partner & Supporter
- Gordon Insurance I 2016 I Supporter
- Gaylor Electric I 2014 I Supporter
- Riverview Health Powered by Parkview I 2011 I Community Partner & Supporter
- Smith’s Jewelers I 2005 I Volunteer & Supporter
- Thomas P. and Sondra D. Sheehan Charitable Foundation I 2018 I Supporter
- Women’s Foundation of Indiana I 1999 I Supporter & Community Partner
- Mason Family Chiropractic & Wellness I 2008 ICommunity Partner & Supporter
- Woodland Christmas I 1994 I Supporter
- Anonymous (3)
Prevail Founder Beth Gehlhausen and current Executive Director Tami Wanninger. (Photo provided by Prevail, Inc.)
The evening also marked the introduction of a new annual honor: the Beth Gehlhausen Legacy of Hope Award. Established to recognize an individual or organization whose purpose and passion have made an extraordinary difference in the lives of survivors and in advancing Prevail’s mission, the inaugural award was presented to Prevail founder, Beth Gehlhausen, whose vision and leadership established the organization in 1986 and laid the foundation for generations of survivor support.
The success of the evening was made possible through the generosity of sponsors, donors, volunteers, and attendees, led by Presenting Sponsor Hare Chevrolet.
“At Hare Chevrolet, being part of this community means more than selling vehicles – it means investing in the people and organizations that make Noblesville and Hamilton County stronger,” Hare Chevrolet Commercial Sales Manager Todd Thurston said. “For more than 12 years, we’ve proudly supported Prevail because of the life-changing work they do every day for survivors and families. As a business with roots dating back to 1847, we believe it’s our responsibility to give back to the community that has supported us for generations. We’re honored to serve as the Presenting Sponsor of Prevail’s 40th Anniversary Celebration and to celebrate four decades of hope, healing, and impact. We look forward to continuing this partnership for many years to come.”
Funds raised during the celebration will directly support Prevail’s free and confidential services for children, teens, and adults impacted by crime and abuse, including crisis intervention, advocacy, trauma education, housing and legal support, prevention education, and other essential resources.
For 40 years, Prevail has stood beside survivors during some of life’s most difficult moments. Since opening its doors in 1986, the organization has served more than 70,000 survivors and provided Healthy Relationships education to over 56,000 Hamilton County students in grades 7 through 12.
About Prevail
Prevail is a non-profit organization based in Noblesville dedicated to offering crisis intervention and restorative support services for those who have experienced crime and abuse, free of charge, in a confidential, supportive, non-judgmental environment that is meant to empower those we serve. Since the beginning, Prevail has been committed to empowering survivors and fostering a safe community free of violence. For more information, visit prevailinc.org.
About Hare Chevrolet
Hare Chevrolet is located in Noblesville, just northeast of Indianapolis. Our quality staff believes in complete customer satisfaction, period. In fact, we are honored that our customers rank us at the top of delivering customer satisfaction among Indy Chevrolet dealers. We believe in respecting you, the customer & value our reputation. Our mission: to be the most guest-centric automotive retailer. For more information, visit harechevy.com.
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