Signature Events
Gathering in celebration of our collective impact and shared love for our community is just one of the ways we Live United in La Porte County. Hosting several signature events throughout the year, United Way of La Porte County celebrates our community and raises funds for our impact programs with fun and exciting experiences that bring us together. Because, when we celebrate, UNITED IS THE WAY.
Home Buying & Investing Symposium
THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026
Blue Chip Casino & Hotel, Freemont Rooms 5 & 6
4:30 PM - 8:00 PM CST
LEARN TO BUILD WEALTH THROUGH HOMEOWNERSHIP FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY
THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026
Blue Chip Casino & Hotel, Freemont Rooms 5 & 6
4:30 PM - 8:00 PM CST
registration is free!
Join us for a home buying and investing symposium for first time home buyers, investors, those new to the community and those working in La Porte County who may be asset limited and want to learn more about the options available to them for homeownership.
Doors and the dinner buffet will open at 4:30 PM CST. Break out sessions for Getting Mortgage Ready, Finding the Right Loan, The Homebuying Journey and Building Your Dream Home, and panel discussion will be followed by at 21+ Mix & Mingle starting at 7 PM CST.
14TH ANNUAL “FUN-RAISING”
CAR WASH
FOR UNITED WAY OF LA PORTE COUNTY
For 14 exciting years, community leaders from Michigan City Area Schools, the Michigan City Fire Department, the Michigan City Police Department and City of Michigan City have come together for this annual “fun-raising” car wash to support United Way of La Porte County. WIMS 95.1FM/AM 1420 and WEFM 95.9 will be broadcasting live throughout the day. Join us again this year for more suds, shenanigans and community impact!
A $5 minimum suggested donation is requested for a regular wash.
Donations of $100 or more will receive an ELITE Wash and special recognition.
You can also choose the waterless option - just drive through and donate!
THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2026
ACROSS FROM AMES FIELD IN MICHIGAN CITY, IN
11:30 AM - 5:30 PM CST
For 14 exciting years, community leaders from Michigan City Area Schools, the Michigan City Fire Department, the Michigan City Police Department and City of Michigan City have come together for this annual “fun-raising” car wash to support United Way of La Porte County. WIMS 95.1FM/AM 1420 and WEFM 95.9 will be broadcasting live throughout the day. Join us again this year for more suds, shenanigans and community impact!
A $5 minimum suggested donation is requested for a regular wash. Donations of $100 or more will receive an ELITE Wash and special recognition. You can also choose the waterless option - just drive through and donate!
day of caring 2026
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2026
ALL ACROSS NORTHWEST INDIANA
ALL ACROSS NORTHWEST INDIANA
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2026
Day of Caring is a single-day volunteer event that unites local changemakers to roll up their sleeves and make a difference together. This year, we’re partnering with our neighbors at Northwest Indiana United Way to connect hundreds of volunteers and organizations across Northwest Indiana with hands-on projects, connection and impact.
Every project completed on this day supports one of our four key focus areas:
HEALTHY COMMUNITY • YOUTH OPPORTUNITY • FINANCIAL SECURITY • COMMUNITY RESILIENCY
JOIN US!
LEND A HAND: Volunteer as an individual or a company team and become part of something truly impactful.
BRING AN IDEA TO LIFE: Submit a project to support a local nonprofit, school or community organization, and help us connect volunteers with real needs across the region.
Contact our friends at Northwest Indiana United Way at volunteer@unitedwaynwi.org to register.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2026
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2026
6:00-10:00 PM CST
6:00-10:00 PM CST
UNITED WE RISE is a celebration of our collective commitment to uplifting La Porte County and a concerted effort to raise the funds necessary to help everyone in our community thrive.
More than a gala, UNITED WE RISE is a movement. It is a strategic change in the way we are working together to uplift everyone in La Porte County. By collectively advocating for your support, we amplify your financial investment and reduce resource strain for our 15 local funded partner agencies, so they can focus more on doing the work that is needed in our community.
Your support of UNITED WE RISE directly funds our local partner agencies serving La Porte County.
Download the Sponsorship Information Packet Here!
For questions about sponsorships, please contact our Director of Corporate Engagement, Dave Sisk.
POWER OF THE PURSE is an exciting designer purse raffle event that brings local leaders together to have fun, network, and support the FINANCIAL SECURITY impact work of Women United and the United Way of La Porte County.
Each year, Power of the Purse silent and live auctions feature beautiful designer bags for women and men for all occasions, as well as exciting entertainment and networking. In addition to our amazing designer bags, there are several other exciting items and experiences available in our auctions and Chance Raffle. Dress is fun business casual. Guests also enjoy a complimentary 3-entrée Italian dinner buffet and delicious desserts, with signature drinks and a full bar for purchase with cash or sponsorship drink tickets.
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO MADE THIS YEAR A GREAT SUCESS!
Our annual BLAZING PADDLES PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT brings our community together for a fun and exciting competition in one of America’s fastest growing outdoor sports, featuring some of our community’s fiercest competitors, to support HEALTHY COMMUNITY initiatives throughout La Porte County, including youth after school programming, the backpack food program, and so much more!