45th Annual Elwyn Ball

Celebrating Purpose and Progress:
Highlights from the 45th Annual Elwyn Ball

On May 10, 2025, nearly 400 guests gathered in the Grand Belle Ballroom at The Bellevue Hotel for an evening of celebration, generosity, and purpose at the 45th Annual Elwyn Ball. This signature event honored the people we serve and the compassionate community that helps make our mission possible.

A highlight of the evening was the recognition of Bill and Judy Strine, whose extraordinary $1 million gift brought Elwyn’s Judy and Bill Strine Student Transition Center to life. This new center helps young adults ages 18 to 21 build independence and develop job skills as they transition into adulthood. Their generosity is already changing lives and will continue to shape many more for generations to come.

Presented by Acrisure, the Ball featured inspiring stories and heartfelt remarks. An especially powerful part of the evening came from Elwyn alumnus Kyle Woodland, now CEO of KWS Productions, who shared his journey from receiving early intervention services at Elwyn at age two to building a career in entertainment and advocacy. “Some people say it’s not how you start, but how you finish,” he said. “In the case of children with differences, it is how you start.” His story underscored the long-term impact of Elwyn’s mission and the importance of early support.

Guests enjoyed a gourmet dinner and elegant atmosphere as Elwyn President & CEO Chuck McLister shared exciting details of Elwyn’s most ambitious capital campaign to date, including plans for a new school and key campus updates that will advance Elwyn’s future and expand its impact. The evening continued with live music and dancing, adding joy and celebration to a night rooted in purpose.

The evening’s mission raise sparked a wave of generosity, with guests contributing $60,317 in just minutes to support Children’s Services. These funds will directly expand resources and opportunities for the youngest individuals we serve, helping them build strong foundations from the start. In total, the event raised $664,722, pushing Elwyn’s Ball’s historic impact to nearly $17 million since its founding in 1980.

We were also proud to honor Candice Kistler, Positive Behavior Support Specialist, as Elwyn’s 2025 Employee of the Year. Her dedication, compassion, and tireless efforts embody the very best of Elwyn’s mission, and the extraordinary people who bring it to life every day.

Together, through support, innovation, and heart, we are building opportunity, inclusion, and meaningful impact – and a Forever Elwyn.