In the heart of Indianapolis, a remarkable event unfolded as HVAF’s 11th Annual Operation Alpha fundraising event took center stage. With an overwhelming response from our community, tickets sold out more than a month ahead, marking our very first completely sold-out night!

The event, presented by Harrah’s Hoosier Park and hosted at the Biltwell Event Center, was more than just a gathering; it was a testament to the power of community support and generosity.

Attendees were treated to a night of food, drinks, fun, and giving, featuring Hotel Tango spirits, Upland and Sun King beer, and wines from The Wine Group. With our military-inspired Grog Bowl Ceremony and the much-loved whiskey pull, the night’s festivities created an atmosphere of celebration.

Still, the underlying mission was clear—to support veterans who have sacrificed so much for our country—and our community came out in force to support our Hoosier Heroes!

The significance of this year’s Operation Alpha was magnified by the catastrophic fire that struck our Manchester Apartments on the night of October 26, 2024. The fire displaced 48 veterans, who had recently gotten off the streets, and the urgency to support these displaced veterans, along with the many others who benefit from HVAF’s programs, was the driving force behind this year’s fundraising efforts.

The fire at Manchester Apartments served as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by those who have served our nation. In Indianapolis alone, one in 10 homeless individuals is a veteran. Operation Alpha was a call to action, urging attendees to rally together and support these heroes who have lost so much, and boy, did they deliver!

Throughout the evening, powerful voices shared their stories, inspiring attendees to take action. One such speaker was Nicki, an Army veteran and breast cancer survivor, who alongside her case manager Cherelle, shared her journey of resilience and hope. Their stories served as a powerful reminder of the strength and courage that defines our veterans.

Travis Barnes—a service-disabled Marine Corps veteran and the founder of Hotel Tango Artisan Distillery—started Operation Alpha 11 year ago, partnering with us to support our Hoosier Heroes, and the event has grown every single year!

This year, Operation Alpha shattered records, setting new benchmarks for attendance, fundraising, and sponsorships. A total of 475 people were at the event, making it the most attended to date! Throughout the night attendees raised a staggering $200,000, surpassing all previous fundraising efforts and demonstrating our community’s unwavering dedication and support for our veterans.

This night would not have been possible without our incredible sponsor support, and this year Operation Alpha had an all-time high with 68(!) sponsors! And for the first time ever, the night featured a presenting sponsor, Harrah’s Hoosier Park!

The success of Operation Alpha is a testament to the power of community action and support.  The funds raised will not only aid the displaced veterans from the night of the fire, but also support homeless and at-risk veterans in Central Indiana.

Operation Alpha is proof that when we unite, we can make a seismic impact. While the night was a resounding success, our work is far from over. Ending veteran homelessness requires ongoing efforts and YOUR continued support. Together, we can continue making transformations for our veterans.

If you would like to support HVAF during this time, please donate to our FIRE ASSISTANCE FUND: https://www.hvafofindiana.org/donate-hvaf-fireassistancefund/

You can also purchase items on our Amazon Wish List that we will provide to the displaced veterans, which can be accessed here:
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3BPBZDBHV39T/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_2