CoAction marked a major milestone on Friday, February 28 with its Bourbon, Beer & Bingo Birthday Bash at Journeyman Distillery in Valparaiso. The event brought together community leaders, supporters, and longtime advocates for a night of celebration, fundraising, and fun—all in support of CoAction’s mission to empower individuals and strengthen communities.
Guests enjoyed an evening of craft bourbon tastings, local brews, exciting bingo games, and a festive atmosphere, all while raising vital funds to support CoAction’s work in housing, financial stability, older adults & people with disabilities, nutrition, and community resources. The event was a testament to the impact CoAction has made over the past six decades and the commitment to continuing this essential work in the years ahead. The evening’s festivities were sponsored by Megent Financial, Geminus, Peoples Bank, CR Quality Services, Inc., Starin Properties LLC, Travail With Us LLC, the Grossbauer Group, and Wintrust Indiana.
"Celebrating 60 years is not just about looking back on our history—it’s about honoring the lives we’ve touched and the communities we’ve strengthened," said Jen Trowbridge, CEO of CoAction. "This event is a testament to the power of coming together to create lasting change."
With a focus on affordable housing, economic mobility, and essential support services, CoAction has been a cornerstone in the Northwest Indiana community, helping individuals and families achieve self-sufficiency. Jordan Stanfill, Chief Housing Officer, emphasized the importance of continued support.
"Housing is more than just a place to live—it’s the foundation for stability, opportunity, and a better future. The support from tonight’s event helps us continue expanding affordable housing options and critical services for individuals and families in need."
Funds raised at the event will help CoAction continue its mission, including:
- Assisting individuals who abruptly lose housing due to job loss, injury, or rising rent costs, helping them find a stable place to live.
- Responding to more than 550 calls each week from people seeking guidance on securing care for their loved ones.
- Providing financial relief for families struggling to pay utility bills, ensuring they can keep their homes heated during tough times.
- Supplying older adults with fresh produce, improving their health and making nutritious foods more accessible.
The Bourbon, Beer & Bingo Birthday Bash featured 10 rounds of Bingo as well as an 11th Diamond round with a $10 buy-in. The winner of this final round won $1,000. The event also featured a Pull-Tabs game and a 50-50 raffle. Attendees participated in a silent auction featuring prizes donated by businesses like Evexia Salt Cave & Spa, Simko Signs, Junkluggers, and Southwest Airlines.
Mark Deimling, financial advisor at Megent Financial, appreciated the opportunity to support CoAction and its work by sponsoring the Bourbon, Beer & Bingo Birthday Bash.
“CoAction is a great organization,” Deimling said. “We at Megent Financial are in a position to give back, so we want to support them. This event is a great opportunity to raise some money that will help make a big difference in the future. It also gives people a chance to reflect on the good work that CoAction is doing. When you mix together bingo and some alcohol on a Friday evening, you’ve certainly got a winning recipe. I hope everyone has a good time tonight.”
As they played bingo, attendees enjoyed delicious finger foods and a wide variety of beverages, all provided by Journeyman. The first 250 guests to arrive were treated to free bourbon tastings, courtesy of CoAction.
According to Curt Bowers, vice president of commercial, healthcare, and nonprofit banking at Wintrust Indiana, Wintrust has gone from occasionally funding CoAction events to becoming a full-fledged sponsor of the organization in just three years. He believes that CoAction is an organization well worth investing in.
“CoAction does so many great things in the community, particularly when it comes to offering financial aid to those who need it,” Bowers said. “As a bank, this aspect of CoAction’s work is particularly near and dear to our hearts. The powerful programs they offer help people level up their lives and continue to grow. This event is not just a great fundraiser, but also a great friend-raiser. It’s an ideal opportunity to reconnect with old friends, make new ones, and learn what CoAction is all about.”
Melissa Odar, loan officer with Union Home Mortgage, has been helping out with the annual CoAction Backpack Drive for the entirety of its five-year run. The Backpack Drive provides students across Northwest Indiana with the school supplies they need to achieve academic success. Odar lauds the impactful work that CoAction has been doing in the Region for over half a century.
“CoAction is the only not-for-profit organization I know of that services all seven counties of Northwest Indiana in multiple ways,” Odar said. “I think it’s wonderful that they’ve been doing this for the past 60 years. I don’t believe there were many organizations like it when it was first founded. CoAction has staying power, and the amazing people behind the organization believe in the mission. Hopefully, everybody appreciates the opportunity to help others here tonight and goes home feeling blessed.”
The Bourbon, Beer & Bingo Birthday Bash not only celebrated CoAction’s legacy but also served as an important fundraising initiative to ensure the organization can continue making a difference for years to come. The event’s success was made possible through the generosity of sponsors, donors, and community partners who share CoAction’s vision for a stronger, more connected community.
For more information about CoAction and how to help support its mission, visit coaction.care.
