Blue Chip Hosts 2014 Mayor’s Ball

Saturday was a special night for Michigan City Mayor Ron Meer.

Not only were he and his wife, Agnes celebrating their 17th wedding anniversary, but it was also the night of the Winter Glow Mayor’s Ball at the Blue Chip Casino’s Stardust Event Center, the first event of its kind since Meer was elected Mayor in 2011.

“I’m thrilled with the attendance and happy to see the community come out in bad weather,” Meer said. “It looks like everyone is enjoying the evening.”

Meer spoke to the 650 or so attendees that came out in support of the Michigan City Public Art Committee and the Commission on the Social Status of African-American Males, the two groups selected to split the $30,000 in proceeds raised from the event.

“I’d like to thank Agnes and the ladies on the committee for doing a good job forming this,” Meer said.

It was Agnes, according to Mayor’s Administrator Kalon Kubik, who did “about 90 percent of the work setting this up.”

“Give her a lot of credit. She was the main force behind all of this,” Kubik said.

Many in attendance were excited about taking part in assisting two of Michigan City’s underfunded committees.

“This is a great thing the Mayor does for the organizations,” said Johnny Stimley, owner of Ryan’s Irish Pub in Michigan City. “I’m really glad to see him doing this.”

Nicki Caylor, club director at the Northwest Athletic Club, was equally as excited for what she hopes will become an annual event.

“It’s amazing to see so many people come out and support the Mayor and two great charities,” she said.

La Porte County resident John McDaniel said it was “a great turnout,” noting planners did “one fine job” in organizing the ball.

On their anniversary, it was only fitting that Ron and Agnes had the night’s first dance.

“I love her very much,” the Mayor told the crowd before asking his wife if she will have the first dance with him.

“She says we are going to have another one next year, so we are all looking forward to that,” Meer said.

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