21st Spring Spectacular Cancelled

As the health risks of COVID-19 continue, Oaklawn’s leaders together with our Foundation Board of Directors have decided to cancel this year’s Spring Spectacular. We’re disappointed to miss out on this important and fun event, but the health and safety of our community is our highest priority.

Those who have already made donations have been contacted regarding their gifts, and any individual ticket purchases will be refunded through the Lerner Theatre.

For more than 20 years, Spring Spectacular has been a meaningful way to raise awareness about issues of mental health and addiction as well as funds for services. The Oaklawn Foundation typically raises between $70,000-$100,000 from this event alone. We’re asking our faithful supporters to please consider donating to Oaklawn during this time, if you are financially able.

Mental health and addiction treatment services are more important than ever, and we expect a rise in charity care as demand increases during these difficult times and more people lose health coverage due to rising unemployment. We also plan to continue the vital prevention and early intervention services we offer to youth: Partnership for Children and Camp Mariposa, which will resume as soon as it is safe to do so. Your financial help in maintaining these services and programs supports health and wholeness for our entire community!

We wish you and yours health, safety and peace in these uncertain times, and we look forward to seeing you at next year’s Spring Spectacular!

Blessings,

Kari Tarman, 

Executive Director of the Oaklawn Foundation

Spring Spectacular

Oaklawn will host the 21st Annual Spring Spectacular on Thursday, May 14, featuring contemporary mixed media artist Anna Ryan Drew in a moderated conversation with actor and producer Lisa Varga. The program begins at 7 p.m. at the Lerner Theatre. A VIP reception for sponsors begins at 5:30 p.m. in the Crystal Ballroom. 

Tickets

Individual tickets are $25 each. Tickets can be purchased through the Lerner Theatre at the Box Office, 410 S. Main St., Elkhart, online at www.thelerner.com or by calling (574) 293-4469. 

Sponsorships

All sponsors will receive special recognition in the event program, a VIP reception with Anna and Lisa before the event and tickets at the following levels: 

  • Platinum: $25,000 (24 guests)
  • Gold: $15,000 (16 guests)
  • Silver: $7,500 (12 guests) 
  • Bronze: $5,000 (10 guests)
  • Patron: $3,500 (8 guests)
  • Host: $2,000 (6 guests)
  • Event: $1,000 (4 guests)
  • Community Partners: $500 (2 guests) 
  • Program Patron: $250 (2 guests)

You can now pay for your sponsorship online, scroll down! 

About Anna Ryan Drew

Anna Ryan Drew was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at the age of 18. She kept it a secret for over 20 years, living with fear, stigma and shame. She stepped out of that story a few years ago, and into a power she had all along. It was a difficult path, also filled with triumph of the human spirit. This May, she’ll share that journey to self-empowerment at Oaklawn’s 21st Annual Spring Spectacular.

“All these things have happened for me,” Anna says. “I don’t feel like they happened to me. I am the victor. I am not the victim. My suffering, my pain that I went through, is not for naught. It’s been this journey to show up as who I really am.”

And who she is, is a force. Anna is a contemporary mixed media artist whose work has garnered international attention. She’s a wife, mother, daughter and friend. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting from The University of Michigan and a Master of Social Work from Andrews University. She fights for social justice. She’s a source of creative energy. She’s courage. And, yes, she is living a beautiful life with bipolar.