Good morning, Valparaiso.

Horizon Bank delivered its $5,000 donation check to Opportunity Enterprises today as part of an annual sponsorship spanning over two decades that supports individuals of all abilities, with John Freyek and Mark Ritzi handing the check to CEO Neil Samahon plus CSO Kacie Ensign.

CoAction has named Carl Kurek as Director of Development to drive fundraising efforts and expand services for families across Northwest Indiana—he will lead a new strategy focused on individual giving, major gifts and foundation partnerships.

Kurek, a lifelong local and former VP at Lakeshore Public Media, brings over 20 years of nonprofit and community experience to the role.

Horizon Bank has announced a $5,000 annual sponsorship donation delivered by John Freyek and Mark Ritzi (bank officials) to Opportunity Enterprises' leaders Neil Samahon and Kacie Ensign (marking over two decades of support).

Lubeznik Center for the Arts will host its free First Friday event on May 2 from 5-8 p.m. where Chesterton High School student Evans Frassine will perform blues plus local art exhibits, including works from local school students and Linda Hoffhines' pieces, will be on display.

Jessica Gonzalez joined Big Shoulders Fund Northwest Indiana as assistant director of academics and instructional coaching over a year ago, bringing more than 13 years of teaching and administrative experience to support schools.

She works with teachers to improve classroom instruction and to build effective coaching programs.

On March 30, Northwest Health’s three hospitals donated $14,000 to local nonprofits to honor physicians for National Doctors’ Day—$6,000 from La Porte went to Dunebrook, $6,000 from Porter went to The Boys and Girls Clubs, and $2,000 from Starke went to Kid’s Closet Ministry.

Dr. Ashley Walker has cared for animals all her life and works at Vale Park Animal Hospital where she mainly treats cats and small pets, and she will celebrate three years in June.

She trained at SIU Carbondale and the University of Minnesota and gained wildlife experience from internships at a California wildlife center and Disney’s Animal Kingdom — her career shows a deep commitment to pet care.

Dr. Ashley Walker works as a veterinarian at Vale Park Animal Hospital and will celebrate three years this June while caring for local pets; she earned her skills from internships at California Wildlife Center and Disney (where she learned animal care techniques) and is known locally as 'Cat Whisperer' for her focus on feline medicine. Her lifelong passion for animals drives her to provide quality care to pets across Northwest Indiana.

Fight Like a Girl Women's Self-Defense Course

5:30-8 p.m. — MAAC Foundation - First Responder Training Campus — Cost not specified — Empower yourself with essential self-defense skills taught by local police instructors.

South Shore Orchestra String Quartet at Blackbird Cafe

3-4:30 p.m. — Blackbird Cafe — Free entry — Experience the beauty of live classical music in an intimate setting.

A Paris Stroll Painting Event

6-8 p.m. — SmokeTown Blues — Ticket required — Enjoy a creative painting session while sipping cocktails and indulging in great food.

Tri Kappa Iota Bingo Night Fundraiser

10:30 p.m. – 3:00 a.m. — 215 E Division Rd, Valparaiso, IN — Ticket required — Enjoy Bingo games with cash prizes and support local charity while indulging in a variety of appetizers.

VNA Stroll for Hospice

12-4 p.m. — Porter County Fairgrounds — Registration fee applies — Enjoy a family-friendly stroll to support hospice care with food, music, and activities.

Forever Plaid Musical

8 p.m. — Memorial Opera House — Ticket prices vary — Experience a nostalgic musical filled with classic barbershop harmonies and delightful 1950s pop hits.

Mother's Day Brunch

9 a.m.-2 p.m. — Journeyman at American Factory — Cost varies — Indulge in a delightful brunch buffet featuring sweet and savory dishes along with craft cocktails.

Mayor's Youth Council Color Fun Run

6-8 p.m. — Rogers Lakewood Park — Registration required — Enjoy a colorful 1.5-mile run with family-friendly activities and obstacles.

Arbor Lake Estates Neighborhood Garage Sale

1-7 p.m. — ValPLAYso — Free entry — Explore treasures in a family-friendly neighborhood garage sale with local charm.

The Early Summer Car, Truck & Bike Show

9 a.m.-7 p.m. — Porter County Fairgrounds — $5 admission, $20 swap meet space — Experience an exciting day filled with vehicles, vendors, and a beer garden before Memorial Day.