(Michigan City, IN) - The annual Mayor’s Charitable Gala in Michigan City set another record for donations that are put back into the community.

The gala on April 17 raised about $150,000, according to the mayor’s office.  Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch said the gala is more than a celebration. “It’s a reflection of what is possible when a community comes together with purpose,” she said.

In 2024, gala proceeds supported youth-focused programs and organizations. In 2025, eligibility for funding expanded to include neighborhood initiatives.  For 2026, the city is allowing funds to be directed toward a wide range of community priorities including youth development, neighborhood revitalization, housing support, food access, workforce development, addiction recovery and mental health services.

Some of the money will also go toward new baseball diamonds.  About one-third of the money raised came from Google, the end user of the data center now being created on Royal Road on the city’s east side.