On Oct. 7, the Westfield community gathered at The Bridgewater Club for the annual Yellow Tie Gala, presented by Taft. The annual fundraiser raises money for the Westfield Youth Assistance Program (WYAP).
The evening included a live auction, silent auction, games, food, and entertainment from the band The FlannelTones. Through generous donations from sponsors, corporate ticket package purchasers, and the general community, WYAP raised $140,000 that will go towards continuing their mentoring and tutoring services, as well as connections with mental health counseling, camps, enrichment activities, and more.
Photo provided by Westfield Youth Assistance
The Gala honored Mayor Andy Cook, who was integral in the foundation of WYAP. The program was born from Mayor Cook seeing a need for a preventative service for youth facing challenging life circumstances. WYAP was formed in 2009, early in Cook’s role as the city’s mayor.
The 2023 Yellow Tie Gala was Cook’s last Gala as the Mayor of Westfield, a position he has held for the past 15 years. Two new initiatives were announced at the Gala, both geared toward continuing the legacy started by Mayor Cook. WYAP introduced a new Mayor Andy & Barb Cook Camp Fund and Mayor Andy Cook Impact Awards.
“Legacy is not built on bricks and mortar, but on the hearts of those uplifted by selfless service,” WYAP President Steve Latour said. “Mayor Andy Cook and Barb’s dedication to Westfield’s youth has forged a path to success for future generations. Their impact echoes through the halls of education and resonates in the triumphs of thriving careers. Their legacy is an enduring beacon of inspiration and was worthy of our recognition. The WYAP Board of Directors was unanimous in creating both the award to recognize Mayor Cook and the Camp Fund to honor him and his wife Barb, who has contributed her own time and energy to ensure that Westfield was a strong community for youth and their families.”
Photo provided by Westfield Youth Assistance
Introducing the Mayor Andy and Barb Cook WYAP Camp Fund
The Mayor Andy and Barb Cook WYAP Camp Fund is an initiative to ensure Westfield’s youth can embark on unforgettable camp experiences during the summer or during school breaks. Money raised for the Camp Fund will go towards the cost of attending these camps and providing the youth attending camp with essentials like toothbrushes, towels, sheets, etc.
Celebrating Civic Engagement with the Mayor Andy Cook Impact Award
The Mayor Andy Cook Impact Award will become a distinguished honor presented annually at WYAP’s Youth Recognition Breakfast. It will serve to commend the exceptional civic engagement of two outstanding community members, with one recipient under 18 and the other 18 years and over.
In addition to the two announcements from WYAP, Mayor Cook was also recognized for his dedication to the Westfield community. In a fitting tribute to his years of devoted service, Mayor Andy Cook received House Concurrent Resolution No. 45 from the State of Indiana by Indiana State Representatives Donna Schaibley and Jerry Torr and Indiana State Senator Jim Buck. This prestigious acknowledgment underscores Mayor Cook’s unwavering dedication to the betterment and prosperity of the Westfield community.
The top sponsors for the Yellow Tie Gala, donating $5,000 or more, included Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP, Wallington Asset Management, LLC, and G&G Custom Homes, Inc.
About Westfield Youth Assistance Program
The Westfield Youth Assistance Program (WYAP) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization located at 2728 E. 171st St., Westfield. WYAP serves youth aged 3 to 17 who are facing challenging life circumstances. WYAP takes a holistic approach to coordinate the community’s vast array of talents, services, and resources to help youth and empower parents and caregivers. This year marks the organization’s 14th anniversary. Visit youthassistance.org/westfield for more information.