About the Annual B.L.A.K Gala

The mission of BLAK Gala is to intentionally curate a powerful space where entrepreneurs, community leaders, and advocates come together not just to celebrate success, but to invest in impact. Through collective giving and meaningful engagement, BLAK Gala raises critical funds for nonprofit organizations advancing community-centered initiatives that uplift individuals and families facing food insecurity, mental health challenges, and systemic inequities that affect self-worth and opportunity.

 At its core, BLAK Gala is about redefining what philanthropy looks like, transforming a single evening into a catalyst for long-term change. By centering positive representation, dignity, and shared responsibility, BLAK Gala empowers communities to heal, thrive, and build a future rooted in access, hope, and collective prosperity.

The 2026 B.L.A.K Gala will directly benefit Neighborhood Properties, Inc. (NPI), a Northwest Ohio nonprofit dedicated to ending homelessness and supporting individuals facing serious mental health challenges. NPI operates permanent supportive housing and integrated service programs designed to promote long-term stability and well-being.

In the most recent fiscal year, NPI provided stable housing and support services to 523 individuals in Lucas County and the surrounding region, offering a pathway away from chronic homelessness and toward recovery and independence. The organization’s portfolio includes 540 apartments across 60 locations, ensuring sustained access to safe, supportive living environments for people with complex needs.

Through coordinated outreach such as the PATH program, NPI connects individuals experiencing homelessness and mental health barriers with housing and treatment resources—bridging gaps between crisis and long-term stability.

Funds raised through the B.L.A.K Gala will help NPI expand supportive housing placements, enhance mental health outreach, and increase capacity for long-term stabilization services, strengthening outcomes for some of the community’s most vulnerable residents.

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