The Nickel Plate Express surpassed its $20,000 fundraising goal for rail preservation at the inaugural Golden Spike Gala on Nov. 4.
The gala, hosted by Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen and sponsored by Gaylor Electric, raised $25,500 for the preservation of historic rail equipment in Noblesville.
Indianapolis resident and frequent Nickel Plate Express passenger Gail Parka kicked off the evening with a $10,000 donation to the Nickel Plate Express. Not to be outdone, Parka’s seven-year-old grandson, Aaiden, sent his grandmother with a piggy bank full of $67.51 in change for the Nickel Plate Express. Aaiden hopes to be a train engineer one day and was excited to support the Nickel Plate Express’ continued operation in Hamilton County.
Inspired by Aaiden’s generosity, the following donors pledged over $1,000 each toward the Nickel Plate Express’ fundraising goal: Mary Sue Devlin, Dana Friedman and Scott Lindenberg, Forrest Myers, Brett Morrow, Darren Peterson and Mike Lennox.
(From left) Cicero resident Mary Sue Devlin, who donated $1,000, along with Nickel Plate Board President Brett Morrow and Nickel Plate Express Executive Director Dagny Zupin. (Photo provided)
The Golden Spike Gala featured fantastic culinary samplings from Chef Bill Wampler of 10 West Restaurant and Bar and was hosted at the 10 West Lofts on Jackson Street in Cicero.
The gala enjoyed a show of support from elected officials, including County Commissioner Mark Heirbrandt, Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen, Noblesville Common Council President Darren Peterson and County Councilman Steve Schwartz.
“I was overwhelmed by the support for Nickel Plate Express at our first Golden Spike Gala,” said Nickel Plate Express Executive Director Dagny Zupin. “I believe Gail and Aaiden’s generous donations were responsible for kicking off an evening full of support and celebration for this important community asset. Thanks to Mayor Jensen and our gala attendees, we surpassed the fundraising goal with an evening to remember.”