Sophisticated Society, Presented by Reis-Nichols Jewelers

While we wait for life to get back to normal and social events to resume, Sophisticated Living is highlighting “Best of…” photos from annual events over the years. Let’s reminisce and celebrate the parties, people and most importantly, philanthropy that made these gatherings great.

Have an event you’d like Sophisticated Living to cover? Please email jeff@slmag.net at least one month prior.

BEST OF LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA SOCIETY

Man and Woman of the Year Indianapolis, held annually each May, is a spirited 10-week competition hosted by The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Since its debut in Indianapolis in 2008, this premier event has raised over nine million dollars for the Society’s fight against cancer. As a global leader in the cancer fight, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society® (LLS) is committed to finding cures, ensuring access to treatments for all blood cancer patients, and improving the quality of life of those patients and their families.

Erin and Rich Pentz

The Man and Woman of the year for 2021 will be revealed at a Grand Finale Gala on Saturday, May 1st. For more information, visit LLS.org

Amy and Dean Hershman, Vicky, Todd and Grace Andritsch

Abby Williams, Amanda Gatlin

Kelly Treinen, Mark Barnhart

Joel and Julie Markland

Teresa and Don Altemeyer

Jill Petruzzi-Clark

Rob Chinsky

BEST OF INDY YOGA MOVEMENT

Indy Yoga Movement (IYM) is committed to empowering central Indiana youth through the development of life skills using yoga and mindfulness. Since their establishment in 2014, IYM has served over 30,000 students in 40+ schools and organizations.

David Romanelli

To raise funds and awareness, IYM hosts two annual events: The Gratitude Gala and Monumental Yoga. In years past, these events have welcomed outstanding keynote speakers such as Dr. Sue Morter of BodyAwake Yoga, Jonah Kest, Lade Akande of The Yoga Counselor, with musical guests like Michelle Qureshi, MC Jayson Conley, and the late DJ Indiana Jones.

Dave Sims, Sue Morter

Monumental Yoga has become a cherished Indianapolis tradition, where yogis of all skill levels and backgrounds gather around Monument Circle downtown Indianapolis to flow together as a community! Indy Yoga Movement hopes to bring these special events back in 2022 when it is safe for all to gather. Keep an eye out for some possible virtual options this year by following Indy Yoga Movement on Facebook @ IndyYogaMovement and Instagram @indyyoga.

Ricky, Krissy and Suzanne Tinkle

Matt Brooks, Katrina Schneider, Suzy Bindley, Jeremie Benjamin, Sara Reuter McDonald

Michael and Shannon Deganutti, Annette Childress, Kelly Morales, Barb Yeary

Mark Bade, Angie Gingerich, Ron Hopkins, Kimberly Hart

Jim Bindley, Sarabeth and Charley Vaughn, Suzy Bindley

Jan Yosha, Laura Steele, Mary McGarvey

Dave Sims, Anni Collins

Charlene Perez, Allison Robertson

BEST OF ARTS COUNCIL OF INDIANAPOLIS

Start With Art is a beloved annual tradition that kicks off the fall arts season in Indianapolis. The largest arts and business luncheon in the country brings together 1,000+ arts lovers and artists to celebrate the city’s creatives and raise money for the Arts Council of Indianapolis, a nonprofit advocacy and services agency that believes in a “Full Creative Life for All.”

Rod Davis, Kyle Ragsdale, Andrea Dunn

Start With Art is the place to catch new dance moves from Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett and see powerful speakers at the podium: the event has hosted inspiring keynotes including Xavier Ramey, CEO and lead strategist of Justice Informed, and Broadway actress Mandy Gonzalez, who starred in “Hamilton.”

Keri Brantley, Manon Voice

Thanks to generous community support, Start With Art raised $240,000 in 2019. (The event was hosted virtually in 2020 to showcase the #IndyKeepsCreating spirit.) Start With Art will be held Aug. 27, 2021, at the JW Marriott Indianapolis. For more information, visit indyarts.org.

Xavier Ramey

N. Clay Robbins, David Starkey, Arnie Hanish

Julie Goodman, Joi DeFrantz, Deborah Asante

Manon Voice, Joshua Thompson, Kari Brantley

Julie Goodman, Gary Schahet

Victoria Lyras, Elaine Eckhart, Paul Vitale

Mike Woods, Marianne Glick, Suzanne McAlister Shannon Forsell

BEST OF EXODUS REFUGEE

Exodus Refugee Immigration is a local nonprofit that resettles refugees and other forcibly displaced populations from all over the world right here in Indiana.

John Green, Jen Marcuson

Since 1981, Exodus has welcomed thousands of refugees who have fled persecution based on their race, religion, nationality, or social group. Exodus provides families with a wide range of services and programs including housing assistance, case management, employment, counseling, and education. Our services are possible through the generous support of our donors and sponsors throughout the year, and at our most important fundraising event of the year.

Sara Hindi, Chris Henry

At our annual Celebrate the Life Ahead Gala, guests hear from inspiring speakers and enjoy international cuisine, wine and beer, live music, and a silent auction. We have also had John Green, New York Times bestselling author and Chris Waters, Founder and CEO of LUNA Language Services as our emcees. To learn more about Exodus you can check out our website at exodusrefugee.org.

Bethany Showalter, Amanda Santana

Kelly Tingle, Katie Carlson, Christina Hale

Barb James, Carole Blocher, Hana Omar, Heba Omar

Chris Russell, Ali Haddad

Tom Morse, Mark Walker

Afshan Paarlberg, Sarah Jenkins, Samia Alajlouni