It’s a wrap on Flanner House’s 127th Anniversary Gala! What an unforgettable evening of laughter, love, and legacy — a true celebration of community, impact, and joy! From heartfelt moments to inspiring stories, the night reflected the spirit of resilience and togetherness that defines Flanner House. We’re overflowing with gratitude for our amazing donors, sponsors, and supporters whose generosity fuels our mission. Cheers to 127 years of empowerment — and the bright future ahead!
LETTER FROM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Deep Roots, Bright Future — Gratitude in Action
The 127th Anniversary Gala was more than a celebration — it was a reminder that community is alive. It grows when we invest in each other, when we build pathways to opportunity, and when we believe in the power of our own roots.
We extend our deepest gratitude to our major sponsors — Lake City Bank, CF Bank, Marian University, and LISC Indianapolis — for your partnership, trust, and belief in what Flanner House represents. Your support helps transform lives through housing, food access, education, workforce development, and the countless ways our families continue to thrive.
We are especially proud to celebrate two remarkable women as Employees of the Year — Sherry Holmes and Nia Morgan-Hayes. Both began their Flanner House journeys as clients in our Center for Working Families, became parents with children enrolled in our Child Development Center, and are now full-time teachers nurturing the next generation. Today, they also serve as coordinators of social activities across the entire organization — embodying what it means to grow through every stage of community.
We also honor Indy Reads, our Service Partner of the Year, for standing with us in advancing literacy, empowerment, and lifelong learning across Indianapolis. Every name, every story, and every contribution proves that when we nurture people, we cultivate power. Thank you to every donor, partner, and friend who helps our roots stay deep — and our future, bright.
-Brandon CEO, Flanner House of Indianapolis
Flanner House Celebrates 127 Years of Legacy & Community
Flanner House marked its 127th Anniversary Gala with an unforgettable evening of elegance, joy, and reflection. The celebration brought together community leaders, supporters, and friends to honor more than a century of service, resilience, and excellence. Guests enjoyed an inspiring program filled with stories of impact, live entertainment, and heartfelt tributes to those who make our mission possible. The night beautifully captured Flanner House’s enduring commitment to empowerment— celebrating our history while inspiring hope for the next generation.
See the Moments That Made the Night Unforgettable
Guests at the 127th Anniversary Gala –Deep Roots. Bright Future. enjoyed moving stories, dynamic performances, and memorable moments that reflected gratitude and optimism for the future. The evening captured the spirit of Flanner House—honoring our past while nurturing hope for generations to come. See the highlights here.
COMMIT NOW FOR 2026
Thank you to our 2025 sponsors for helping make the Flanner House 127th Anniversary Gala – Deep Roots. Bright Future. a tremendous success. We’re already preparing for our 128th Anniversary celebration in 2026 and invite you to confirm your early sponsorship commitment. Sponsors who complete the form by December 31, 2025 will be featured in our early Q1 announcements and event marketing materials.
If you’ve supported Flanner House in the past but were unable to join us in 2025, we’d love to welcome you back. Join us today and help us continue growing a brighter future together.
Flanner House proudly honors Indy Reads as our Service Partner of the Year for their unwavering commitment to literacy, education, and empowerment. Through innovative programs and compassionate collaboration, Indy Reads has helped strengthen the foundation of lifelong learning within our community. Their partnership exemplifies how shared purpose can transform lives—equipping individuals with the skills, confidence, and opportunity to succeed. Together, we are building a more informed, resilient, and connected Indianapolis.
EMPLOYEES OF THE YEAR
Flanner House proudly celebrates Sherry Holmes and Nia Morgan-Hayes, whose journeys embody the spirit of community transformation. Both began as clients in our Center for Working Families, later became parents with children enrolled in our Child Development Center, and today serve as full- time teachers nurturing the next generation.
Pictured (left to right): Sarah Zike (CFO), Sherry Holmes (Winner), Nia-Morgan Hayes (Winner), Debra White (COO), and Dr. Brandon Cosby (CEO)
Beyond the classroom, they lead social activities that strengthen connection and joy across the organization. Sherry and Nia exemplify growth, resilience, and the power of opportunity—proof that when community invests in people, those people give back tenfold.
CELEBRATING THE POWER OF GENEROSITY: A $25,000 GIFT FROM SALLY & ALAN MILLS
Flanner House proudly extends heartfelt gratitude to Sally and Alan Mills for their generous $25,000 donation supporting educational scholarships for students. In today’s challenging political climate—where policy changes can abruptly shift the landscape of financial aid—this act of giving is more than philanthropy; it’s a lifeline.
The Mills’ generosity directly empowers students navigating uncertain times, when opportunities for advancement can vanish overnight. As debates over education funding and student aid intensify, their gift ensures that talented young people can continue their education and build futures rooted in stability and hope. One scholarship recipient, who shall remain anonymous, shared a deeply moving testimony:
“Well, it sure is a blessing I got that scholarship. New laws made it where they cancelled my Pell Grant after I already received it, and I have to pay back the money or I can’t graduate. It’s nearly $4,000. That scholarship is such a blessing.”
He explained that, without the scholarship, his only option would have been taking out high-interest loans to repay the unexpected debt.
“I was eligible for FAFSA two weeks ago,” he added, “and now I’m ineligible.”
Thanks to the Mills family, this student—and others like him—can continue their education without crippling financial strain. Their generosity transforms despair into possibility, offering stability in a moment when policy, health, and hardship collide. At Flanner House, we believe that community investment is the truest form of resistance and resilience. Sally and Alan Mills exemplify that truth—proving that one gift can change the course of a life.
A HEARTFELT THANK YOU TO OUR GALA COMMITTEE
To our Gala Committee — Sydney Bayless, Candace Boyd-Simmons, Sandra Green, Dr. Harrison-Jones, Nia Morgan Hayes, Brent Lyle, and Dr. Pat Payne:
As we reflect on this year’s Gala, the entire Flanner House family is deeply grateful for the time, energy, and heart you poured into making it a success. From the earliest planning conversations to the final details, your leadership and dedication shaped an evening that reflected the very best of our community.
This Gala was more than an event — it was a celebration of 127 years of resilience, service, and impact. Because of your vision, creativity, and persistence, we are brought together partners, sponsors, and friends in a way that uplifted our mission and spearhead our future.
Please know how much we value your commitment, not only for the work you are doing, but for the passion and spirit you bring. Your efforts are strengthening the 46208 community, and we are honored to share this journey with you.
