For more than a century, the women of Tri Kappa Iota have been working to support the Valparaiso community, promoting education, supporting local nonprofits, volunteering, and fundraising. On Thursday, for the first time, the sorority hosted an Annual Gala – commemorating those decades of service and charity, and celebrating that its members love.
Tri Kappa packed the gala, hosted at Journeyman Distillery, with a wide variety of festivities and entertainment options. Dinner, dancing, drinks, raffles, a silent auction, and plenty of prizes were all on offer. All profits raised at the gala will be distributed right back into the community through grants, scholarships, and other contributions. Drew Sarkisian, President of Tri Kappa, noted that raising funds was just one of the night’s main goals.
“After everything that Valpo and the world has been through lately, I think we just needed more reasons to get dressed up, head out, and have fun,” she said. “This party isn’t just about raising funds. It’s about letting Valpo celebrate being Valpo. We really just wanted a reason to feel good and celebrate being a part of this amazing community.”
The allure of Journeyman, the bevy of activities, and pure Valpo pride drew a packed crowd. Couples, friends, Tri Kappa sisters, and supporters danced, ate, and perused the silent auction as they celebrated.
“It’s heartwarming to see the community surround us and support what we try to do,” said Natalie Mahlmann, Tri Kappa executive committee member. “It’s a great feeling and a great start to the year.”
Tri Kappa also used the gala as an opportunity to honor a couple that has made a tremendous impact on the city in just a few short months. The sorority awarded Bill and Johanna Welter, owners of Journeyman Distillery, with its 2024 Spotlight Citizen’s Award.
“Bill and Johanna are two people that have worked their hearts out to build an amazing company, it’s their second baby,” Sarkisian said. “Journeyman alone has opened up several new outfits for jobs, not just for students and part-timers, but full-on careers in sales, marketing, distribution, and things like that. They’ve been very supportive.”
Bill Welter’s family has been a part of Valparaiso’s fabric for about as long as Tri Kappa itself, with family members attending Valparaiso University in the early 1900s. Later on, his grandfather came to the city to work in the banking industry, with his family has stayed involved in the business community ever since. He also has ties to Tri Kappa, with his grandmother joining the organization decades ago.
“I think it speaks very highly to this community that organizations like Tri Kappa exist and thrive and are such an important part of this city,” Bill Welter said. “There are so many amazing people here tonight, and they’ve all been huge contributors to Tri Kappa.”
Johanna Welter credited Valparaiso as one of the warmest communities she’s seen – with a community committed to doing right by each other.
“It’s very welcoming and philanthropic,” she said. “In large cities, sure, you expect to see that kind of support. Yet a smaller city like this has so many organizations, ones like Tri Kappa, that give so much directly to the area. To see that, to see these people, the energy is incredible.”
Sarkisian noted that the gala and much of the work they do would not be possible without their sponsors, including: diamond sponsors Sarkisian, Sarkisian & Associates Law Firm, Cliff and Laura Bryan, and Urschel's Giving from Urschels Laboratories; sapphire sponsor Modern Edge; pearl sponsors Kotys Wealth, Tudor Floors & More, and Susie Jaskowiak @properties; and carnation sponsors Centier Bank, Kaye and John Seibert, McAfee Animal Hospital, and GreatNews.Life.
To learn more about Tri Kappa Iota, its history, and the work it does in Valparaiso, visit trikappavalpo.org.
