One evening of celebration. A lasting investment in Defiance County.
On October 3, nearly 200 community members gathered for the Defiance Area Foundation’s 2026 Bow Ties & Boas Gala. It was an evening filled with laughter, friendship, wonderful food, and live entertainment. But beyond the bow ties, boas, and celebration was a purpose that reaches far beyond one night.
Together, our guests, sponsors, and supporters helped raise $130,700 for the Defiance Area Foundation Community Fund, building resources that will continue making a difference throughout Defiance County for years to come. And that is the real reason we gather.
Why Do We Hold a Gala?
Throughout Defiance County, nonprofit organizations, schools, and community groups are working every day to make our communities stronger. They’re providing essential services, creating opportunities for young people, improving public spaces, and responding to needs that might otherwise go unmet.
Behind many of these efforts are generous individuals, families, and businesses who believe in investing in the place they call home. The Defiance Area Foundation helps connect that generosity with opportunities to make a difference.
Our Gala is an opportunity to bring these community-minded people together, celebrate the good happening throughout Defiance County, and invest in the resources needed to keep that good work moving forward.
Every dollar raised through the Gala supports the Defiance Area Foundation Community Fund, an unrestricted fund designed to address changing needs and emerging opportunities throughout our county.
Unlike funds established to support a specific organization or cause, the Community Fund gives the Foundation flexibility to award grants across a wide range of community needs, guided by our grantmaking guidelines.
Simply put, growing the Community Fund means growing our ability to say “yes” when our community needs us.
What Does That Look Like in Real Dollars?
The need for community support is real, and the requests we receive demonstrate just how important flexible grant funding has become.
During our fall 2026 grant cycle, the Defiance Area Foundation received requests totaling $196,397 from organizations seeking support for projects and programs throughout Defiance County.
Of those requests, the Foundation approved $112,402 in grants, with $81,723 coming directly from the Community Fund.
These numbers tell an important story.
The Foundation was able to support meaningful work throughout our community, but the amount requested exceeded the dollars awarded by nearly $84,000.
A Closer Look at Our Most Recent Grant Cycle
$196,397 in grant funding requested
$112,402 in grants approved
$81,723 awarded from the Community Fund
Not every request can or will be funded. Projects must meet the Foundation’s grantmaking guidelines and priorities. However, these numbers demonstrate the continued need for charitable resources in our community.
As the Community Fund grows, so does our capacity to support more eligible projects and respond to needs as they arise. This is why the Gala matters.
Where Do the Dollars Go?
The impact of the Community Fund isn’t measured only in dollars. It’s reflected in the organizations doing the work and the people whose lives are touched along the way.
Community grants help support a variety of needs throughout Defiance County, from educational opportunities and youth programs to community improvements, essential services, and projects that enhance quality of life.
Sometimes that means helping a local organization purchase equipment or improve a facility. Other times, it means supporting a program that provides assistance to families, creates opportunities for children, or brings people together.
The needs are different, but the connection is the same: generosity from our community is being put to work right here at home.
We believe it’s important for donors and community members to see where those dollars are going and understand the difference their support makes.
You can learn more about our grantmaking process and opportunities on our Grants Page.
We also regularly share stories, grant announcements, and updates on our Facebook page, where you can see how generosity is making a difference throughout Defiance County.
A Night to Celebrate What We Can Accomplish Together
While the purpose behind the Gala is meaningful, we also believe there is something special about taking an evening to celebrate the people who make this community what it is.
Our 2026 Bow Ties & Boas Gala brought together nearly 200 guests at the Knights of Columbus in Defiance for an evening of connection and celebration.
Guests enjoyed a wonderful dinner prepared by Sweetwater Chophouse, beautiful décor by All Occasions, and live entertainment from the Bluewater Kings Band.
Throughout the night, we recognized the generosity of our sponsors, Change Makers, and guests who believe in investing in Defiance County’s future.
And together, we raised an incredible $130,700 for the Community Fund. That support represents more than a successful fundraising event. It represents a shared commitment to ensuring our community has resources available when opportunities and needs arise.
Building a Legacy of Generosity
Since 1979, the Defiance Area Foundation has worked alongside generous people who believe in making Defiance County a better place to live, work, and raise a family. The Community Fund is one way we can continue that work, both today and for generations to come.
We cannot predict every challenge our community will face or every opportunity that may come our way. But we can work together to build the resources that will help us respond.
That’s what makes the Gala so meaningful.
It’s an evening to recognize what generosity has already accomplished, celebrate the people making a difference today, and invest in what is still possible for tomorrow.
To everyone who attended, sponsored, or supported our 2026 Gala, thank you. You are helping build something that extends far beyond one evening.
And to those who have never attended, we invite you to be part of the celebration.
Whether you’re a longtime supporter of the Foundation or just beginning to learn about our work, the Gala is an opportunity to connect with others who care about the future of Defiance County.
Save the Date! Our next Gala will be held Saturday, October 2, 2027.
Because when our community comes together, generosity becomes opportunity, and opportunity creates lasting impact.
