NORTHWEST INDIANA — On Saturday, November 16th, Crossroads Chamber brought the business and local communities together for its annual gala, A Night of Timeless Elegance: Diamonds and Pearls Gala, held at the Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana.
The evening celebrated camaraderie, achievement, and the extraordinary contributions of local educators and first responders.
“This event gives members of the business community a chance to network and have a night of fun,” said Patena, a Crossroads Chamber representative. “We enjoy interacting with each other in a less formal party setting like this. This was the first year we opened our Inspiring Educator and First Responder awards to everyone in Lake County. We’ve recognized teachers and first responders from all over the county here tonight. We want to emphasize just how important these individuals are to our community. I want everyone to know that Crossroads is here to support our business community and help make everything in Northwest Indiana bigger and stronger. As I always say, ‘We’re better together.’”
The evening’s highlights included a special award ceremony recognizing four individuals for their exceptional work. The award recipients were celebrated not only for their professional excellence but also for their community impact.
Inspiring Educator Awards:
- Elementary Education – Jennifer Herold, Eads
- Elementary Secondary Education – Kristen Campbell, Crown Point High School
First Responder Awards:
- Police Officer of the Year – Detective Chris Eagles, Indiana State Police
- Firefighter of the Year – Joe Bonk, Dyer Fire Department
First responders are the backbone of our community, dedicating their lives to protecting, serving, and ensuring the safety and well-being of others, often putting themselves in harm’s way to make a difference.
“As the youngest merit-promoted officer in our department’s history, Joe’s commitment extends beyond emergency scenes,” commented Dyer Indiana Fire Department on their social page. “He plays an integral role in our Community Risk Reduction programs, teaches fire and EMS courses, and leads impactful initiatives like our annual open house and classes at the Tri-Town Safety Village.”
Inspiring educators play a pivotal role in shaping the future, igniting curiosity, and fostering a lifelong love of learning in their students. Their dedication impacts individual lives and strengthens the community by empowering the next generation to thrive.
“Our Jenny was named the top 25 teachers of the state of Indiana and received the Indiana University Armstrong Teacher Leader of the Year award,” said Linda Bevil, principal of Eads Elementary School. “She helps keep community relations at the forefront in Munster by bringing the community reader program to our school. We’re lucky to have had this program for over 20 years, and Jenny has played a big part in keeping it alive.”
In addition to honoring these remarkable individuals, the gala offered attendees a variety of entertainment options, including a photo booth, a silent auction featuring exclusive items, and a jewelry pull for a stunning $2,000 necklace generously donated by Wulf Diamond Jewelers.
The gala was a testament to Crossroads Chamber’s commitment to fostering community connections and supporting regional business growth. Shawn Pettit, Merrillville town councilman, and Crossroads Chamber board member, reflected on the importance of the evening.
“Businesses are the backbone of any community,” Pettit said. “We at Crossroads Chamber seek to show that we support them with events like the gala and Small Business Saturday, which will be held later this month. Whether it’s our gala, the business expo, the corn roast, or the golf outing, Crossroads Chamber is always trying to promote business growth and create more networking opportunities for business owners. I hope our guests enjoyed the meal, the venue, and the opportunity to meet new people and catch up with old friends. Hopefully, they’ll have a good time and leave the gala thinking that Crossroads is the best chamber.”
Crossroads Chamber extends its gratitude to the sponsors and participants who helped make the gala a memorable event:
- Presenting Sponsor – Franciscan Health
- Emerald Sponsor – Hard Rock Casino Nothern Indiana
- Black Diamond Entertainment Sponsor – Electrical Professionals Local 697 (IBEW)
- Diamonds & Pearls Theme Sponsor – Crow Holdings Industrial
- Couture Centerpiece Sponsor – Luxor Homes, Inc.
- Sip & Savor Bar Sponsors – American Strucutrepoint and Core Construction
- Paparazzi Sponsor – Northwestern Indiana Building & Construction Trades Council
- Wine Sponsor – ABCO General Contractors and Real Estate Services, Inc.
- Inspiring Educator Sponsor – Purdue Federal Credit Union
- First Responders Sponsor – Northern Indiana Public Service Company
- Titanium Sponsors – McColly Real Estate, Powers Stroke and Rehabilitation Center, and Town of Merrillville
- Platinum Sponsors – BrightStarCare, Centier Bank, Cleveland Cliffs, Everwise Credit Union, Indiana American Water Co., Lerner & Rowe Injury Attorneys, Methodist Hospitals, Panduit Corp., BrightStar Care of Lake County, Centier Corporate Centre, Purdue Federal Credit Union and UnitedHealthcare
- Diamond Sponsors – Beary Landscape Management, BMO Bank N.A., Central Midwest Regional Council of Carpenters, Ceterpro Painters of NWI, Chase Lowden – Financial Advisor, Gary SouthShore RailCats, Indiana Ballet Theatre, Iron Workers Local No. 395, Lakeshore Public Media, McMahon & Associates CPAS PC, NW Indiana ER & Hospital, NWI Integrative Health & Wellness, Old National Bank, Peoples Bank, PNC Bank, Purdue University Northwest, REGIONAL federal credit union, Robinson Engineering, South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority, TradeWinds Services Inc., The Opus Group and Yellowstone Landscape
- Pearl Sponsors are First Source Bank, City of Crown Point, Hasse Construction, Holladay Properties, Invenergy, Level 10 Coatings, M&J Asphalt Paving Co., Inc., Noble Promotions & Apparel, Professional Building Services, Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service, Surf Internet, and Ty Financial.
Presenting Sponsor – Franciscan Health Emerald Sponsor – Hard Rock Casino Nothern IndianaBlack Diamond Entertainment Sponsor – Electrical Professionals Local 697 (IBEW)Diamonds & Pearls Theme Sponsor – Crow Holdings IndustrialCouture Centerpiece Sponsor – Luxor Homes, Inc.Sip & Savor Bar Sponsors – American Strucutrepoint and Core ConstructionPaparazzi Sponsor – Northwestern Indiana Building & Construction Trades CouncilWine Sponsor – ABCO General Contractors and Real Estate Services, Inc.Inspiring Educator Sponsor – Purdue Federal Credit UnionFirst Responders Sponsor – Northern Indiana Public Service Company
Titanium Sponsors – McColly Real Estate, Powers Stroke and Rehabilitation Center and Town of MerrillvillePlatinum Sponsors – BrightStarCare, Centier Bank, Cleveland Cliffs, Everwise Credit Union, Indiana American Water Co., Lerner & Rowe Injury Attorneys, Methodist Hospitals, Panduit Corp., BrightStar Care of Lake County, Centier Corporate Centre, Purdue Federal Credit Union and UnitedHealthcareDiamond Sponsors – Beary Landscape Management, BMO Bank N.A., Central Midwest Regional Council of Carpenters, Ceterpro Painters of NWI, Chase Lowden – Financial Advisor, Gary SouthShore RailCats, Indiana Ballet Theatre, Iron Workers Local No. 395, Lakeshore Public Media, McMahon & Associates CPAS PC, NW Indiana ER & Hospital, NWI Integrative Health & Wellness, Old National Bank, Peoples Bank, PNC Bank, Purdue University Northwest, REGIONAL federal credit union, Robinson Engineering, South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority, TradeWinds Services Inc., The Opus Group and Yellowstone LandscapePearl Sponsors: First Source Bank, City of Crown Point, Hasse Construction, Holladay Properties, Invenergy, Level 10 Coatings, M&J Asphalt Paving Co., Inc, Noble Promotions & Apparel, Professional Building Services, Superior Air Ground Ambulance Service, Surf Internet and Ty Financial.
