About the Hoosier Ball
The Hoosier Ball, the Foundation’s signature fundraiser, began in 2017 to bring friends, family and the philanthropic community together to raise awareness and funds for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) and to celebrate the legacy of founder Robert H. Lyon, who lost his battle with acute myeloid leukemia in 2007. The annual event honors all the things he loved – family, friends, giving back and a good party! To date, the Lyon Family Foundation has contributed close to $2.25 million to LLS, which includes a completed a $1 million fundraising pledge to the Beat Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) Trial, the first collaborative clinical trial for a blood cancer that is making significant headway in changing AML treatment landscape. Since 2022, the Hoosier Ball’s fundraising benefits Lyon’s Way and our partnership with Comer Children’s Hospital Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology Program.
Hoosier Cabaret
On October 27th, 2023, we hosted Hoosier Cabaret, the 6th Annual Hoosier Ball, at "Chez Lyon" at RPM Events. It was an evening like no other as Parisian nightlife came alive full of sultry surprises, spectacular cabaret performances, and an elevated food and beverage experience complete with caviar and champagne. The after party, sponsored by Ferrari Lake Forest, featured the electronic sounds of musical talent Mojave Grey.
AMOUNT RAISED: $615,000
Hoosier Fever
On October 28th, 2022, we reinvented the ‘70s nightclub scene with new age vibes and disco glam at the 5th Annual Hoosier Ball at RPM Events. Taking the night to new heights, the line up included live entertainment by disco-queen Gavin Turek, and an exclusive After Party, presented by Ferrari Lake Forest. Hoosier Fever benefited Lyon’s Way, in support of the Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology Program at the University of Chicago Medicine Comer Children’s Hospital.
AMOUNT RAISED: $560,000
The Masquerade
The 4th Annual Hoosier Ball on October 29, 2021 was an evening of extravagance, sophistication and intrigue, set with the backdrop of a Venetian masquerade.
AMOUNT RAISED: $481,364
The Sock Hop
At the 3rd Annual Hoosier Ball in March 2019, guests came ready for a Sock Hop in poodle skirts and letterman jackets and were transported into a 1950s wonderland.
AMOUNT RAISED: $311,000
Hoosiers in Havana
The 2nd Annual Hoosier Ball in 2018 was an evening full of Cuba’s bright colors, sounds, and charm, brought to life with dancers, casino games, and of course, Cuban cigars.
AMOUNT RAISED: $138,526
The Pre-Parties
From time to time, we host a Hoosier Ball pre-party to treat our dedicated sponsors and patrons to a first-look experience, feature brand sponsors, and showcase the year’s incredible auction block. In 2020, the event was hosted at Ferrari Lake Forest and included fashion by Azeeza.
The Inaugural Hoosier Ball
The Inaugural Hoosier Ball, hosted at the Lyon family home, integrated curated touches in tribute to Robert H. Lyon’s favorite things — including a Willie Nelson cover band, a homemade chili bar, pecan turtles, corn dogs, Hoosier Mama pie, and a specialty Pancho + Lefty punch.
AMOUNT RAISED: $18,361
EVENT DESIGN & DECOR: @kehoedesigns
CATERER: @truffleberrymarket
SWEETS: @hoosiermamapie
PHOTOGRAPHY: @_cassandraphoto
EVENT DETAILS: @magnificantmilestones
