A Night of Enchantment: Celebrating Independence at the 2026 Empower Gala
An evening of celebration, generosity and community support helped shine a light on the importance of independence for people with disabilities.
Boerner Hall at Boerner Botanical Gardens was transformed into an enchanting setting for Independence First’s 2026 Empower Gala, featuring elegant decorations, warm lighting and a welcoming atmosphere for an evening celebrating independence.
MILWAUKEE (Independence First) - The beauty of Boerner Botanical Gardens provided the perfect setting for an enchanting evening on Thursday, October 22, as friends, supporters and community partners gathered for Independence First's 2026 Empower Gala.
This year's theme, Illuminating Independence, celebrated the possibilities that bloom when people with disabilities have the resources, opportunities and support they need to live independently and make their own choices.
Featuring a lively auction, delicious fare, and stories of independence, the evening was a celebration of community and a reminder of what we can accomplish together.
An Evening to Remember
Guests arrived at Boerner Hall for an evening of food, fun and fundraising. The festivities began with a cocktail reception, where attendees mingled over drinks and hors d'oeuvres, explored dozens of silent auction packages and tried their luck at the wine pull.
Following the reception, guests enjoyed a delicious dinner catered by Zilli Hospitality Group before settling in for the evening's program.
CBS 58 meteorologist Michael Schlesinger generously volunteered his time to serve as the evening's emcee, bringing his familiar personality and enthusiasm to the celebration.
Independence First President and CEO Marci Boucher welcomed guests and reflected on the organization's mission of empowering people with disabilities to live independently in their communities.
A special video presentation highlighted the impact of Independence First's services and the people whose lives are shaped by the opportunity to make their own choices.
The evening also featured a spirited game of High or Low, setting the stage for the friendly banter and excitement of the live auction led by auctioneer Todd Sheel.
Guests had the opportunity to bid on some truly memorable experiences, including a behind-the-scenes visit to CBS 58, dinner with members of the Milwaukee Fire Department, a private sailing excursion along Milwaukee's waterfront and an exclusive catered event from Zilli Hospitality Group.
Other standout packages included a custom Kohler golf getaway and a handcrafted bourbon barrel transformed into a fully stocked bar.
Throughout the evening, the generosity and enthusiasm of our guests helped make the celebration one to remember.
Putting Independence in Motion
While the evening offered plenty of opportunities for fun, the purpose behind the celebration was never far from view.
This year's Fund-A-Need campaign focused on Independence First's Alternatives in Mobility (AIM) program, which repairs, refurbishes and redistributes wheelchairs and other mobility equipment to people with disabilities.
For someone who relies on a wheelchair, a broken part or delayed repair can prevent someone from getting to work, attending school, visiting family or participating in everyday life. Far more than a simple inconvenience.
The evening highlighted the real people behind that need, including Kevin, who waited months for a vendor to address a simple wheelchair repair before turning to Independence First. Our AIM team was able to resolve the issue in less than 20 minutes.
Guests also learned about Miller, a young child who received an adapted Power Wheels Jeep through AIM. With the push of a large button, Miller can explore his surroundings in a new way, while his father helps guide the vehicle using a remote control.
These stories demonstrate how access to the right equipment, timely repairs and creative solutions can make a meaningful difference in someone's independence.
Thanks to a generous $200,000 matching grant from the Green Bay Packers Foundation, donations to AIM can go twice as far, helping Independence First serve even more people who need reliable mobility equipment.
A Community That Makes Independence Possible
An event like the Empower Gala would not be possible without the generosity of the businesses, organizations and individuals who believe in our mission.
We extend our sincere gratitude to our Golden Magnolia Sponsors, Marsh McLennan Agency and Lime, for their generous support of this year's celebration.
We are also grateful to our Blooming Lilac and Wildflower sponsors, whose contributions helped make the evening possible, along with the many businesses and individuals who donated auction packages, services and experiences.
Special thanks go to Michael Schlesinger for serving as emcee, Todd Sheel for leading the live auction, Zilli Hospitality Group for providing a wonderful dining experience, and Exciting Events for helping bring the evening together.
We also want to recognize the dedicated members of our gala committee, volunteers, staff and community partners who contributed countless hours to planning and preparing for this special night.
Most importantly, thank you to everyone who attended, placed a bid, made a donation or otherwise supported the 2026 Empower Gala.
Your generosity helps Independence First continue providing advocacy, peer support, independent living skills training, information and referral, and transition services to people with disabilities throughout southeastern Wisconsin.
Illuminating a More Independent Future
The Empower Gala may be an annual celebration, but the work it supports happens every day.
Whether it's helping someone find accessible housing, advocating for more inclusive communities or getting a wheelchair back in working order, Independence First believes everyone deserves the opportunity to make choices about their own lives.
Thank you for helping us illuminate a future filled with greater independence, opportunity and possibility for people with disabilities.
Want to help keep independence moving? Visit independencefirst.org/donate to learn how you can support our mission.