The largest annual fundraising event for Guiding Star Marshalltown is set for Thursday.

The Aligning the Stars Charity Gala will be held inside the Midnight Garden at 6 p.m. Guiding Star Executive Director Lindi Trowbridge said it is a faith-based evening to celebrate the mission of serving women and families through holistic, life-affirming care.

“The gala brings together community members, supporters and partners for a night of inspiration, fellowship and generosity – all to expand access to education and resources that honor the dignity of every woman and family we serve,” she said.

The event will feature a three-course meal crafted by the catering team at Midnight Garden. Trowbridge said it will be an elegant dining experience and will include a charcuterie cup appetizer, fresh salad, a main course and a decadent dessert. Two complimentary drink tickets will also be available for attendees.

In addition to an elegant meal, Trowbridge said they are thrilled that the entertainment will be provided by Encounter Outreach, a faith-based dance company based in Ankeny. Trowbridge said they will present a special number centered on hope and the goodness of God.

“In addition, our keynote speaker, Jenny Vinson, will share her personal experience working with Guiding Star Marshalltown and how ‘The Power of Presence’ has impacted the women and families she has referred to our services,” she said.

In addition to Encounter Outreach and Vinson, this year’s gala will include a silent auction featuring donations from 15 local businesses.

“These additions will make this year’s gala especially memorable,” Trowbridge said.

Money raised from the $70 ticket sales and the silent auction will support Guiding Star programs and services, such as fertility awareness and natural family planning education, pregnancy and postpartum support, breastfeeding support, a free mama and baby closet, infant loss and miscarriage support groups and youth education programs which help young people understand and honor their natural bodies.

Hosting the Aligning the Stars gala is something Trowbridge would like to continue and expand every year.

“[It] has become a beloved annual tradition and an essential part of sustaining our mission,” she said. “Each year, it serves as both a celebration of the lives being touched through our services and an invitation for others to join in our work. We plan to continue growing the gala as we expand our reach and impact.”

The annual event began in 2021 in an effort to bring the community of Marshalltown together

Guiding Star is expecting a full house of 200 guests and Trowbridge said they are deeply grateful for the community support which makes the gala possible every year. Not only does the event raise funds for the programs and services, but it also highlights stories of hope, healing and transformation, she added.

“We look forward to seeing our friends and supporters on [Thursday] for a night of faith, fellowship and celebration,” Trowbridge said. “Together, we can continue empowering women and families to embrace their dignity, understand their bodies and thrive in every season of life in a safe, judgment-free space. If you cannot attend this year, we look forward to welcoming you next year.”

EVENT INFORMATION:

Name: Aligning the Stars Charity Gala

Date: Thursday, Oct. 2

Time: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Where: Midnight Garden

Address: 1501 S. 17th Ave.

Tickets: $70. Call 641-351-4041 or email contact@guidingstarmarshalltown.org

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Contact Lana Bradstream

at 641-753-6611 ext. 210 or l

bradstream@timesrepublican.com.