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n Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 6:00 PM (CST), Marina Shores in Portage, Indiana, will come alive with the sound of smooth jazz, the clinking of wine glasses, and the radiant spirit of community. The Canvas of Greatness Soirée isn’t just an event—it’s a movement.
Hosted by GAPS (Gary Alumni Pathways to Students), this unforgettable evening brings together art, culture, and purpose to raise funds for the next generation of Gary’s trailblazers.
The Legacy Behind the Soiree
Since 2016, GAPS has been “building the village”—connecting Gary Community School Corporation alumni, educators, and partners to equip students for lifelong success. From mentorship and scholarships to career exposure and leadership development, GAPS has transformed connections into opportunities.
What began as a local initiative now stands as a living network of hope—a testament to what happens when a city remembers its greatness and invests it forward.
When we invest in our students, we invest in the soul of gary.
Lisa bennett
Art with Purpose: The PeQue Connection
At the heart of this year’s soirée is the brilliance of acclaimed artist, PeQue, the creative force behind the Greatness of Gary billboards. His bold, vibrant portraits capture the essence of Gary’s heroes—educators, activists, athletes, and dreamers who prove that greatness isn’t behind us; it’s what we’re made of.
Guests will have the exclusive opportunity to bid on and purchase original PeQue works, including never-before-seen pieces from his broader collection. Each sale directly fuels GAPS’ student programs and scholarships, transforming art into action.
An Evening to Remember
Expect an elegant night filled with:
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Live Art Auction featuring PeQue’s original works
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Wine Tastings and curated hors d’oeuvres
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Live Jazz Performances that set the perfect mood
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Opportunities to Give—because every contribution builds a brighter future
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Be Part of the Canvas
Every registration, every donation, every moment shared at the Canvas of Greatness Soirée helps GAPS continue its vital work—creating pathways from the classroom to career, from promise to purpose.
“Together, we’re painting a picture of possibility—one student, one story, one success at a time.”
Your presence matters. Your generosity changes lives.
Join us at Marina Shores in Portage, IN, on October 18, 2025, at 6:00 PM (CST).
Purchase your tickets here and help us continue shaping the future of Gary—one masterpiece at a time.